: Boredom & Bullets

The city stretched endlessly ahead—twisted concrete, hollow towers, and sun-bleached road signs that pointed to nowhere. The sun sat heavy in the sky, not punishing but relentless.

They'd been walking for hours.

Climb

Lucas sighed for the third time in ten minutes, dragging the sound out like a kid denied candy.

"I am officially bored."

Ava didn't even glance at him since she was busy patching up gear.

"We're trying to not get killed, Lucas."

"Exactly. Nothing's trying to kill us right now, which means I'm left with my own thoughts. You wouldn't believe the stuff in there."

She arched a brow.

"Want to talk about it?"

Lucas blinked.

"Wait, was that a genuine invitation to talk about my feelings?"