Karen & Dre POV — Present Tense

The ride back to her place feels longer than it should, even though Tariq drives fast enough that the city lights smear into ribbons. Karen keeps the small black device in her hands, its smooth surface warm despite the night air from the vents.

The memory stim trigger.

She isn’t sure whether to fear it or trust it.

Tariq said it was safe—safe enough—but the weight of it feels heavier than the device itself. Like she’s holding something that could ...