Her words echoed in my mind for a long time. I kept my arm around her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Another moment later, I asked quietly, “What kind of dreams?”

She turned her face slightly towards me. “Simple ones. I want to see places, different cultures, and live freely. I don’t want to live a life filled with bloodshed or constant danger.”

I swallowed my breath, but made a note of it.

The rest of the flight passed quietly. Valerie fell asleep again. I ...