Maddie's expression tinged with worry as she waited outside the conference room.

  "How did it proceed in there?" She asked, her snakes shifting anxiously as Jim opened the door and exited.

  Jim exhaled and gave a nod. "The usual—thorough."

  "How do you mean?"

  "Well, the same everywhere. They start with praise, tell you how great you did, hand out awards... and then they follow it up with what you could've done better—maybe throw in a punishment or two for good measure."

  "Oh dear. I hope it wasn't overly severe."

  "It wasn't. Hardly anything, considering we saved an entire city." He hesitated. "And... a bunch of other things."

  Maddie studied him for a moment. "Something else appears to be troubling you."

  "Yeah, for sure. How about we go for a walk?"

  "Certainly. I would be delighted to."

  They left the building and headed toward the park. But as they neared it, Jim suddenly veered off, choosing to walk along the sidewalk instead.

  "Does this concern the Cetus incident?" Maddie asked gently.

  "No," Jim sighed. "I've moved past that."

  "Seriphos, then?"

  He nodded. "Yeah. We killed a lot of people there, Maddie. I think about it all the time—how those deaths could've been avoided."

  She slithered around in front of him and took his hands in hers. "I understand. I was with you. But like you said, we did the best we could with what we had. Those warriors made their choices—just like the ones in my cave did."

  Jim took a deep breath and nodded. "I know. It's just... they think we should've stoned King Poly the moment we saw him in the palace."

  Maddie's held his gaze, her voice calm and measured. "Such talk is born of hindsight. So easy to say when the peril has passed."

  Jim gave a short laugh, half amused. "That's one way to put it. I'm glad you get it. Seriously, thanks."

  "There is no need for thanks," Maddie said. "Yet there is a question I'd like to ask you. Veronica mentioned you used to be a hostage negotiator. Why aren't you still doing that?"

  Jim paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Brian Stevenson."

  "Who's that?"

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  "A close friend of mine. He was with the Hostage Rescue Team—he saved my family when we were taken hostage on vacation."

  Her eyes widened. "You were a hostage?"

  "Yeah, unbelievable, right? What are the odds? But there we were, staring down the barrels of several guns, until Brian and the HRT stormed in and rescued us. I got to know him well after that, and I was inspired by what he did. He's a true hero. Watching him in action and seeing what those guys do—I wanted that so badly."

  Maddie was starting to see Jim's previous occupation was full of horrific trauma. "I feel your pain."

  "Yes, I see that. But in my case, I didn't pass the physical exams, so that path was closed to me. Brian told me I could make a difference in another way."

  "Hostage negotiation?" Maddie guessed.

  "Yep. I can't help but see a bit of a parallel with your story too. We were both turned away from something we wanted but found a way around the obstacles and ended up doing something similar."

  Maddie smiled. "Yes, there are some similarities."

  Jim nodded. "And it gets better—Brian and I ended up working together for a few years. It was like a dream—saving people alongside the man who once saved me."

  "That sounds wonderful." She smiled. "I would very much like to make his acquaintance someday. He must be a most extraordinary individual."

  Jim took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly glassy with unshed tears.

  Maddie's heart sank. "Oh dear... I fear something unfortunate befell him?"

  Jim swallowed hard and gave a slow, sorrowful nod. "It was my fault."

  Maddie squeezed his hands. "What happened?"

  "We were supposed to go in at six. A window opened up earlier than expected, and Brian wanted to take it. I told him it was too risky. To wait. Be patient. But he was tired of sitting around, so sure he could do it."

  "And the hostages?"

  "Safe, thank God." Jim's voice wavered. "But in the firefight, Brian took a hit to the head. I should've stopped him. I could've. And he would still be alive." He wiped at his eyes, but more tears kept streaming..

  Maddie pulled him into a tight embrace, her snakes curling gently around him as he clung to her. "I am deeply sorry for your loss."

  Jim exhaled shakily. "That's why I left. I took a long break. Then I got a call about a mission—something different. Something... less traumatic."

  "Was it for me?" Maddie asked softly.

  "Yeah, eventually." His voice was soft but resolute. "That's why I try so hard to get everything right. I can't bear to lose anyone else... especially you."

  Maddie maintained her gentle hold. "I do understand. And I thank you for confiding this in me. I know it could not have been easy to share."

  With that, they resumed their stroll, the conversation lingering between them like an unspoken bond.

  As they circled around the park's outskirts, their attention was drawn to a peach tree standing tall amid the grass. Its branches stretched outward, adorned with ripe, golden peaches that swayed gently in the breeze. Jim's eyes lingered on the fruit, his gaze tracing the plump, sun-kissed peaches hanging just above most people's reach. People must've picked the low hanging ones.

  He sighed, then muttered, "So many good ones just out of reach," his tone a mix of longing and mild frustration as he stared at the tempting but unattainable fruit.

  Maddie smirked. "Oh? Is that indeed so?"

  Jim chuckled a bit.

  Maddie giggled, then slithered toward the tree, her body extending upward with ease. She plucked the ripest peaches from the highest branches, gathering an armful before lowering herself back down.

  "Here you are," she said, offering the fruit. "Take as many as you'd like. I hope this brings you some measure of comfort."

  Jim accepted a few, leaving the rest in her arms. "Thanks Maddie. It already does,"

  She then lifted the remaining peaches, and in a synchronized motion, her snakes each grabbed one and held them carefully in their mouths.

  Jim raised an eyebrow, amused. "Extra hands?"

  "They prove quite useful?," Maddie replied with a playful grin.

  She extended her hand, and Jim took it. Together, they continued toward base housing, the quiet comfort of their companionship speaking louder than words.