Solomon nods, something akin to approval flickering in his eyes. "Good. Now get to it. I'll be timing you."

Ruby groans, but falls into step beside me as we start our first lap. The sun beats down on us, the air thick with humidity, but I push through the discomfort. Each step, each breath, is a reminder that I'm alive, that I survived.

Stronger.

I want to be stronger.

I don't want to depend on anyone for rescue, ever again.

"I'm dying," Ruby moans, even though we've gone maybe five ...