[ Her expression is tight, attempting to be distant about it. Turns out a decade together –– or not together –– doesn't just vanish overnight like it's supposed to.]

I'd been once before, on a field trip.

[ Old presidents had been there, too. Paul fucking Revere did the dome on top, some approximation of a contractor turned American hero. And if she wasn't brought to the Barge, her body would have rotted on the floor, remembered by no one. ]

It was hard but I was happy with it. Even when I realized I was done for, I still thought... as far as last days go, I could say I was at the top of my game. All the pieces fell into place. It was worth it.