The evening before the full moon, Glad walked through Anino Garden alone.
Tomorrow, everything could end.
Tomorrow, she might lose people she loved.
"Dad," she whispered to the statue, "I'm scared."
The night was still. No breeze.
"I know you can't always answer. But I need you to know—whatever happens tomorrow, I'm grateful. For fifty years of protection. For teaching me, silently, what love looks like."
She touched the cool stone.
"I'll make you proud. Whatever happens."
A leaf drifted down—landing on her shoulder.
She smiled through tears.
"I love you, Dad."
The walk back to the community center felt longer than usual. Every face she passed—friends, family, community—she memorized. Just in case.
Ariel waited in their quarters.
"How are you?"
"Terrified. You?"
"Same." He pulled her close. "But also grateful. For every moment with you."
They held each other in the darkness.
Tomorrow, they would fight.
Tonight, they would love.