Page 320 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Grounding myself.

“I can’t fight them and worry about you at the same time.”

There it is.

The real reason.

The one she can’t argue with.

The one that matters most.

Her eyes close briefly.

And I see it.

The moment she understands.

The moment she hates it—

But accepts it.

“I don’t like this,” she whispers.

“Good,” I murmur. “Means you’re thinking clearly.”

A soft, broken laugh escapes her.

Then she nods.

Once.

“Okay.”

That word?

That’s everything.

Because she’s trusting me.

Because she’s letting me go.

Because she believes I’ll come back.

I lean in.

Forehead to hers.

Just for a second.

Just enough.

“I’ve got you,” I murmur.

Even when I’m not here.

“Touching,”a voice cuts in.

I don’t turn.

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