John accepts the little token, running his fingers along the thin leather cord, holding the bead to the light.

For a second, he thinks of Co—and it hurts, but not so bad. It’s…bittersweet.

“I lost someone back home—she died protecting me.” He admits, eyes growing overbright. “She, uh…she wore a jade pendant for good luck.”

He smiles, tears slipping free. No others follow as he slips the leather cord around his neck and settles the bead against his chest before brushing the tears aside.

“…this means a lot to me, Serann—Sera. Thank you.”