Beep. Beep. Beep.
He awoke with a gasp, finding Zarynah’s delightful smile on her lips. Balmy sunshine pooled around them, casting a fiery halo around her flaming hair.
“Pleasant afternoon,” she said.
“Afternoon?” He sprang awake. “What happened? Why aren’t we at our shifts?”
“I turned the alarm off so you could sleep in.” She drew a breath, and he braced himself for a tirade, but what came from her mouth surprised him. “ZenBot said you’re anxious.”
“That’s nothing new,” he said, pretending sleep still weighed his eyes. The mere mention of ZenBot sent his heartbeat spiraling far from control. Did it divulge his episode with the footprints?
“I thought it best you stay today. Enjoy the brisk air.” She smiled again. “I noticed the gift you left on my pillow. Where did you find it?”
“Ta
