Detour

"Do you know War of the Worlds?"

I pulled my eyes off the screen parading footage of the rolling convoy and its cargo of spacecraft. Harlan sipped his coffee. Thunder rumbled in the dark beyond the windows, making the fluorescent lights flicker.

"With the three-legged machines?" I hedged.

"That's the one. In the end, we couldn't stop the aliens. A virus wiped them out."

"But that's just a story."

"It's an idea. One I think you already had in your head."

I played with my necklace ring, seeing Dayne in the shape of uniformed men moving through the diner.

Harlan brought me back. "Is that an heirloom?"

I balled it into my fist. "It's a reminder."

He sighed and paid the bill. Outside, facing the rain, he asked "Why are you here, Jen?"

"There's something I have to do."

"Do you have a plan?"

I shook my head.

"What about a place to stay?"

Another shake, my face flushed hotly.

"Would you stay with me? I can help you."

His eyes were sincere. I considered carefully.

"Yes."

But the word felt like a betrayal.