Seth tries to do his job the best he can. Yes, he’s the head of the company; yes, his meetings include playing poker; and yes, it works out fine. This time is no different, even though the news is more worrying than usual. But he’s going to take it one step at the time and be just fine. It’s more of the same in the end -- talk to these people, arrange that meeting, and don’t panic anybody. The stakes are higher, but it’s nothing he hasn’t done before. And he gets to spend time at the fire station with Connor. Seth should be good.<br><br>And there’s nothing out of the ordinary on Connor’s end. It’s a normal day, spent doing normal things, with the normal people. He happens to love his life and, though some things could be better, they could also be way worse. Connor is satisfied, and nothing is going to change that.<br><br>Everything is going according to plan. There’s no reason to believe that anything has to change. Right?

Out of Nowhere

Seth wakes up. He blinks at the ceiling. It’s white. What happened? There’s a hand in his own. He follows it back to Connor, sleeping in a chair way too small for his frame. His head is pillowed on one arm, the other hand holding his own. Seth frowns and looks around. There are machines next to the bed; machines that he’s connected to. He can taste the conclusion, but before it fully forms, he makes eye contact with a nurse.


Chapter 10