The tension that night was different.

Rin stood outside the hotel, his arms crossed, watching the lights on the water flicker like dying stars. He didn't hear Jeff come up behind him.

"You okay?" Jeff asked.

Rin didn't look back. "I've been thinking."

"About?"

Rin exhaled slowly. "About how easy it is to lie to yourself when there's war all around you. When every feeling can be labeled as a weakness."

Jeff moved beside him, leaning against the railing. "You're not the only one ...