The Night Was Long, But Love Was Brief

Emma Young leans against the window, her thumb hovering over her phone before she finally dials the number she hasn't called in three years. "This is Officer 0719, Emma."Her voice is quiet, but there is no mistaking it. "The job's done. I'm ready to be reinstated."A sharp bang sounds over the line, as if someone just jumped to their feet. The person on the call exclaims, "Emma! Are you really alive?"The ghost of a smile crosses Emma's face. "Yes, I'm still breathing."The voice on the other end shakes with disbelief. "You ghosted us after the undercover mission. We thought you didn't make it out alive. We even held a damn memorial for you! That's three years of radio silence. Care to explain?"