Five years. Why did it surprise her when he said it? Five years during which so much had happened that they were now strangers. She eyed him uncomfortably. He didn't even look like the Eugene she remembered. Perhaps it was for the better.

"Some protection that was," she scoffed, her resentment stirring. "We were all just tryin' to survive. 'specially me." After you left me to fend for myself, she added mentally. "And we'll all continue doin' so. Nobody's gonna care whether ye're in or out, and ye know it." Then, more hesitantly, she added: "When are ye gettin' out?"