Daniel’s unexpected laugh coincided with another burst of celebration from the bar, the sound finding her ribs before she could brace for it. Beyond the windows, the city sprawled beneath them like a tapestry of light and shadow, while the rescoil’s soft hum provided a bass note to the restaurant’s symphony of clinking glasses and murmured conversations.

“I work from home anyway,” Sophia continued, absently watching one of the glass ballerinas catch a particularly striking ray of moonlight. “Watch a show, read about the affected, watch another show… it’s great. Can’t get anything done with you two around - all my stuff is there.”

“Stay away from everyone…” Sophia sighed. “Life on easy mode.”