It's not the same. She knows it's not the same. But it feels close. That's something he's found comforting about the Deck.

Sophie knew what it was to do this too young. She knew what it was like to feel a life in your hands rather than at the other end of a rifle.

Breathing deep came a little easier as he pressed his forehead briefly to hers. Just for a moment before nodding.

These were the people he would be here for.