Aisha's POV
I had packed light.
A few medical books, some essentials, nothing that would weigh me down. I wasn't planning to stay at the Neutral Hospital forever, after all. Just long enough to do my part, to help the wounded, and then... then I would figure out what came next.
Emma stood beside me, fidgeting with the sleeves of her sweater. When I turned to her, she suddenly threw her arms around me in a tight hug.
"Emma—"
She pulled back, smiling, but I could see the shimmer of tears in her eyes.
She was holding back.
"Don't do that," I murmured, brushing her cheek lightly. "Don't act like I'm walking into my grave."
Her lips quirked up in a small, sad smile. She raised her hands, signing quickly. You promise you'll come back?
I exhaled, nodding. "Of course.
