Chapter 134

"Kaz," Amélie said, stepping over a fallen lamppost.

"Yeah?" Kazuo glanced back before returning his attention to navigating the street.

"Um, thanks again," she ducked under a low-hanging wire as she spoke.

"Don't," Kazuo replied, sidestepping a smoldering pile of rubble. "Just don't."

Amélie paused, watching his tense shoulders as he moved ahead. "Are you still mad?"

Kazuo stopped, causing her to nearly bump into him and turned. "I'll be honest. Yes. I'm still mad. Who wouldn't?"

She nodded, averting her gaze to the cracked pavement beneath their feet. "Yeah, I guess I understand your perspective."

He remained silent, turning away and continuing down the street.