"It's peaceful out there," Simon replied, following close behind. "And even if Sam doesn't get big enough to ride, he'll have others for company and can at least run alongside them. My friend Vanyel and I have been taking rides when we can... it's very... freeing."

Simon realized with a slight pang of guilt that he hadn't ridden in a long time, and that perhaps he might feel a bit less stressed and directionless if he had been. He made a mental note to talk to Vanyel about it when he could.