I know it's not. I'm sorry... I wish I could help. I shouldn't even be down here right now. If Strade found out...

[ But Ren was, if nothing else, curious. And Pidge was surprisingly relaxing to talk to. It makes his chest a little tight. The first person he'd been able to talk to besides Strade in nearly a year, and knowing how this was going to end...

But where he was before... ]

I don't know. I don't even know where we are, so we could be half a country over from where I lived. I'm not allowed past the porch.

[ Tugging at the collar idly, Ren gingerly sits down. Everything in him aches. ]

I know you said I wouldn't believe you, but please tell me how you know me?

[ But then Ren perks up, leaning in a little eagerly. ]

Wait, is it because I'm missing? Is my family looking for me? Strade said no one was, but--!