Octavia had secluded herself in her cabin since boarding the cruise. The previous month had been challenging for her; she had refused to leave the dorms and had avoided interactions, grappling with the pain and nightmares that followed her through the storms. Feelings of abandonment had resurfaced, especially after Loona left. However, the skies were finally clear again; the rain and clouds had disappeared, allowing her to see the stars once more.

While most passengers retreated to their cabins for the night, Octavia poked her head out and decided to venture toward the upper decks for some fresh air and a better view of the sky. First, though, she needed something to eat, so she headed to the buffet. There, she unexpectedly spotted the last person she anticipated seeing. For a moment, she froze, her voice emerging uncertainly. It was barely more than a whisper—hopeful, hesitant, and pleading all at once.

"Dad? Is it. . . what are you doing here?"

She was confused, she had hoped to see him, but had convinced herself that the reason that Blitzo and Loona had left was to go back so they could all be together without her. That they'd left her here so that she wouldn't be a problem for them, for him, any longer.