I found Skylar next.
Her presence was smoke and shadow, ephemeral and hard to pin down even through our bond. She was still in bed, probably scowling at the ceiling and contemplating the meaninglessness of existence while simultaneously planning what dessert shop to rob later. I didn't send a thought toward her. Just observed the steady rhythm of her breathing, the lazy contentment of someone who had decided the world could wait a few more hours.
She was fine. Alive. Whole. That was enough.
Emi burned bright in my awareness like a miniature sun, her presence pure warmth and uncomplicated joy. She was in the kitchen making something that involved way too much sugar if the spike of excitement in her emotions was any indication. Her happiness leaked through the bond like sunshine through a window, making me smile without consciously deciding to.
