Zoe's Tale (Old Man's War, #4)

by John Scalzi

“I’m sympathetic to your boredom,” Savitri said. “But less so if you’re just marinating in it.”

“They’re perfectly harmless unless they think you’re a threat to me,” I said. “What happens then?” Enzo asked. “I’m not really sure,” I said. “But I think it would involve you being turned into a large number of very small cubes.”

“Will I see you later?” I asked. “I hope so,” Enzo said, and then got that look that said his brain was telling him he was being too enthusiastic. Shut up, stupid brain. Enthusiasm is a good thing.

We stood there for a minute, looking at each other. “You came here to break up with me, didn’t you,” I said, finally. “Yeah,” said Enzo. “Yeah, I did. Sorry.” “Don’t be,” I said. “I haven’t been a very good girlfriend.” “Yes you have,” Enzo said. “When you’ve had the time.” Another shaky laugh from me. “Well, that’s the problem, isn’t it,” I said. “Yes,” Enzo said, and I know he was sorry he felt he had to say it. And just like that my first relationship was over, and I went to bed, and I didn’t sleep.