“I’m sorry I didn’t join your squad, Bean.” “You were right,” said Bean. “I asked you because you were my friend, and I thought I needed a friend, but I should have been a friend, too, and seen what you needed.” “I’ll never let you down again.” Bean threw his arms around Nikolai. Nikolai hugged him back. Bean remembered when he left Earth. Hugging Sister Carlotta. Analyzing. This is what she needs. It costs me nothing. Therefore I’ll give her the hug. I’m not that kid anymore.
