–Livana–
I visited my grandparents' quarters in the underground base—an enclosed world designed to mimic comfort. Spacious enough. A curated illusion. A mini kitchen, a small living area, food delivered on schedule, a nurse stationed like a silent sentinel.
Safe.
Or as safe as I allow.
They rose from the sofa the moment I entered—too quickly, too eagerly. Their eyes widened, disbelief cracking through age and exhaustion.
"Livana!"
Grandfather Edward's voice broke—longing, sharp with shock. He rushed toward me… or as close to rushing as his body would permit. Arthritis dragged at his movements, but he came anyway.
He wrapped his arms around me.
He felt… smaller.
Fragile.
Time had carved him down into something almost unrecognizable.
I didn't move.
Not an inch.
He pulled back slightly, his trembling hands rising to cup my face.
"Livy, it's Grandpa." His lips pressed against my forehead, warm, desperate. "You're alive…"
