we'll
help her leave. If we have to turn around, we'll turn around. The plan
can change when the facts change."
"You make it sound simple."
"It isn't simple. It's just the next thing to do."
Yan felt an ache spread through her chest, equal parts gratitude and
fear. Bai was not promising an easy journey or pretending that strength
could solve everything. She was simply making room for Yan's wish and
preparing to stand beside her. It was the kind of answer Yan had
secretly wanted and had been afraid to ask for.
"Thank you," she said.
Bai frowned slightly. "For what?"
"For taking this seriously. For not telling me to wait until we know
more. For not acting like wanting to save someone is foolish."
Bai looked toward the balcony doors. "I don't think it's foolish to care
about someone."
The words were simple, but something in her tone made Yan look at her
again. Bai had said it as though the idea were obvious, as though there
