AT THE SAME TIME
ZAVIER
It started small, that was the problem. Not dramatic, not overwhelming. Not some grand declaration again that shook the courtyard. Just presence. Constant. Unavoidable. Precise. Serena.
"She's behind me again." Michael said quietly.
"She is always behind you." Ben replied.
"I AM ALSO BEHIND YOU." Riko whispered from the wrong direction.
"You are in front of him." Leo corrected.
"I REVERSE SUPPORT." Riko said.
Michael did not turn around. He didn't need to.
"You are standing too close." He said.
"I am maintaining optimal distance." Serena replied calmly.
"For what?" Michael asked.
"Observation." she said.
"You have been observing for three hours." Michael said.
"Correct." Serena nodded.
"I ACCEPT DEDICATION." Riko said.
"You would quit after five minutes." Ben replied.
"I LAST SIX." Riko said proudly.
