Back at the Unit 1 accommodation quarters, the halls were quiet. Too quiet.
Leon and Elizabeth walked in side by side, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. With two squadmates still in medical care and one detained under surveillance, the once full squad room now felt hollow. The kind of hollow that creeps in when the dust settles and silence returns too fast.
Leon glanced sideways at her. "Kinda weird, huh? Just when the squad was finally coming together… this happens."
Elizabeth didn't answer right away, but her gaze lingered on the empty couch as they stepped into the common area. It said enough.
"Come on," Leon said, breaking the silence. "Let me show you your room."
He led her toward the back corner of the accommodation. Her own space, one he'd… borrowed while she was gone. He reached the door, hesitated for a second, then pushed it open.
The moment they stepped inside, a bead of sweat traced down Leon's temple.
'Ah… crap.'
