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I turn my eyes towards the nursing tent, anxiety and grief mixing in my soul.

Nadia

My group and I work through the afternoon and into the evening, getting everything ordered and set up. By the time we’re finished, night has fully fallen and most of the nurses have stepped out to go get dinner and hang out by the fire or take some time to themselves in their bunks.

But I’m still here, munching on a sandwich and organizing the little office space we set up, ensuring that everything is labeled and where it should be. I like things neat, after all.

Or, well. I like things in the clinic neat. My room at home is always a disaster.

But one can’t be picky. Nobody’s health is at stake if my bed goes unmade, but sterile syringes need to be kept that way.

“Are you all good here?”

I look up to see Jeanie smiling down at me. I smile right back. “I think so,” I say, nodding eagerly and looking around. “Nearly done.”

“Okay,” she says, grinning. “Come and sit by the fire when you’re finished. It will be great to get to know everyone!”

I make a face and Jeanie laughs. “What, you don’t want to?”

I roll my eyes and start to say something about not wanting to hang out with all those wolves, but thankfully I stop myself before I get very far. Jeanie is a wolf, after all, and she’s been nothing but perfectly lovely all day. She tilts her head at my stilted words and I just sigh, shrugging.

“You’ll have to forgive me,” I say, gesturing towards my head. “I’m all a wreck up here. Long day. I think I’m going to relax instead.”

“Okay,” she says, nodding, understanding. “But we’ll hang out soon?”

“Count on it!” I say, waving as she steps away.

I take a little bit more time to put everything in its place, finishing my sandwich and my bottle of water as I do. Then I move toward the door of the tent, peering out into the night, wondering where the hours went and when it got so dark. I stop at the entrance, peering over at the fire around which many volunteers - the guards, nurses, therapists – cheerfully mingle. I nod, kind of pleased to see everyone getting along and having fun.

That’s the dream, isn’t it? Wolves and humans cohabitating, everyone just…friends?

God, could it really be possible?

“Did you see the sky?”

I leap nearly out of my sneakers at the sound of Cole’s voice so close on my right, shrieking as I skitter away.

He stares at me for a moment in shock before he bursts out laughing as I pant, a hand clasped to my chest. “God damn it, Cole!” I snap. “You scared thehellout of me!”

He grins, a little laughter still shaking through him as puts out a hand, ready to steady me if I need it. “I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just…thought you realized I was here.”

“I don’thaveyour extended senses,” I mumble, glaring and standing straight again.

He nods, understanding and apologetic even if he is still entertained. Then he looks upwards. “Seriously, though, it’s a really clear night. You shouldn’t miss it.”

I glare at him for a second longer, not ready to give in, before I turn my eyes upwards. My shoulders immediately relax. “Whoa.”

The word is an understatement. The stars spread out above us, gorgeous in their brilliant chaos, little pinpricks in a wide velvet swath of black. I stare in wonder, rather overwhelmed by the sight. I mean, I grew up outside the city where the sky is generally clearer than it is in the capital. But out here, in the desert?

Just…stunning.

“It’s even better deeper out in the sands,” Cole murmurs. “Even this little bit of firelight is dimming the view, and you can’t see horizon to horizon with these cliffs in the way.” He glances at me. “Not that you should go out there trying to see it. Dangerous, and all.”

I shift my gaze to his face and frown. “Can you like…see it better than me? Even standing right here?”

“What,” he asks, looking up again. “Because I’m taller? It’s notthatmuch of an advantage –“

I can’t help it. I laugh.