...turned out that I did. [ It's more awkward than a relief to admit, considering: ] But I didn't know he was here 'til about a week ago. I never checked on the network, and we picked different apartments. We kept missing each other.

[ Sometimes literally, but it's a big city, even with the parts of it closed off. But he knows it's a small hope, that people don't get so lucky--he doesn't know how many people get so lucky. And it feels wrong to be standing there with a guy he just met, ready to see him off, knowing he won't have anything to find but further confusion, to be with his own thoughts.

Robby tugs on the strap of his bag, exhales a breath. ]

I can give you my contact. And if you wanna stay in the same apartment building, I'll tell you where I'm staying. You can walk in and take whatever room. Same with whatever's in the shops--you won't get in trouble if you take anything.