Felix was watching the news on the television.
A reporter said, "Ninety-six percent of the Catwerp population is Caucasian. Is Catwerp's immigration policy systematically racist? Reene is revoking visas from countries where the majority of the population is negroid? Is Reene violating Catwerp's First Amendment? Or are her actions justified because she is concerned about national security?"
Felix's brow furrowed.
Behind him, a voice cut in. "Why have you been spending so much time with Carter?"
Felix turned. Kip stood behind the couch, arms crossed, eyes hard.
He grabbed the remote and clicked off the TV. "I asked you to go to the museum with me. You said you were busy."
"I was busy," Kip snapped. "I was at a job fair. You could've come. We need to start building real lives."
"I've been applying online," Felix replied coolly.
Kip's jaw tightened. "Fox might still be alive if you hadn't wasted time dragging Carter off the battlefield."
Felix's hands balled into fists. "That's not fair. We don't get to rewrite the past."
A moment of silence passed between them—thick with grief neither one knew how to voice.
Pat entered the common room, his cassock swaying lightly with each step. "Good afternoon, Felix. Kip."
They turned to face him. His expression was unusually grim.
"I hate to add to your worries," Pat began, "but I assume you've seen the news. With Reene Clinton expelling immigrants from Catwerp, there's increasing pressure on refugee housing across Technate. My hands are tied."
Felix's throat tightened.
"You'll have three more months here. After that… I can't guarantee a bed."
Felix felt his heart drop.
"We'll be out before then," Kip replied. "We don't want to overstay."
Pat nodded. "I believe you. In the meantime, I can refer you to a housing liaison. Someone who works with employers and landlords open to refugee tenants."
"That would help a lot," Felix said. "Thank you."
Pat gave a small nod, then left.
The room was silent again—only the hum of the now-muted TV lingered in the air. Felix looked at Kip. Kip didn't look back.