Chapter 259: Building Bridges

  LAKE   "Still bothers me," I muttered, but I was smiling despite myself. There was something freeing about criticizing the improbable physics of a video game, about engaging with something that was purely entertainment rather than training or survival.   We played for a while, with Ollie patiently explaining the mechanics while I fumbled through the controls.   I died repeatedly, mostly because my reflexes were still sluggish from the coma, but Ollie never seemed frustrated. If anything, he looked delighted to have someone to teach.   "You're actually pretty good for a first--timer," he said as I managed to successfully complete a stealth section without getting detected.   "Most people just run in guns blazing and wonder why they die."   "Running in guns blazing is how you end up dead in real life too," I said absently, then realized what I'd revealed. "I mean, theoretically. Based on common sense."   Ollie had gone quiet beside me, and when I glanced over, I saw him studying me wit