Page 60 of I Dated a Retired Hero

They went up and sat on the bed, looking through all the memories left in Amber’s room. Her first steps, her first picture, and her mother holding her with Litha in her belly.

“I am sorry for the way things happened.”

Amber smiled softly. “You had nothing to do with it. I was frozen long before you had taken your first steps. I was so worried about you that they said they would document everything about you so that when I could come out, I could know everything and be the best big sister.”

Litha’s eyes widened. “They did. They recorded everything, no matter how small. I was in ballet for a while before a ballerina whispered a rumour about me being toxic.”

“Oh, is she still around? I can drive her mad.”

“She’s married with kids, just as normal and non-active as she pretended to be.”

Amber sighed. “Too bad.”

“Where are you working now?”

“Um, I flunked out of the program.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t even make it to the interview stage. I tried to get a work visa to Aksalla so I could contact you, but that didn’t work either. When I got contacted today, I jumped at the chance.”

“You didn’t have my contact info?”

“Um, no. The last time we were together, I didn’t have my com yet. I was just able to get enough for a base unit this month.” Amber shoved her wrist out, and it was a basic above-dermal unit. “It crackles a bit, but it works.”

Litha frowned. “I can get you a subdermal unit and a new receiver.”

“I came here to celebrate, not mooch. Today is about you and Sergei and music and food and dancing.”

“It is also about family and friends and everyone being well.”

“I am well. I am family?” Amber asked hesitantly.

Litha hugged her and warmed her sister. “The hugging is new. I am trying it out.”

“It’s good.”

There was a knock, and Kiska was standing there. “I was told you were inside.”

“Kiska, this is your aunt, my sister, Amber.”

“Your sister?” Kiska walked in and smiled. “I have a tiny auntie.”

Amber laughed. “I am not that small.”

“You are petite and frail.”

“I am the current longest applied stasis in recorded history.”

Litha said softly, “I am going to put that on your wall.”

Amber looked at her and then burst into bright giggles.

Kiska gave Amber her contact info, and Litha did the same. Feral came in, and she was added to the mix.

Drin came up with an armload of garment bags. “Ekron’s mom sent these. They will fit everyone.”

Amber stared at the glittering elf and said, “Okay, ladies. I will leave you to change.”

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