Chapter 60: Callie's Thoughts.

Callie sat on the edge of her bed, the letter from Sentinel Command resting heavily in her hands. Her fingers traced over the familiar Sentinel seal, feeling the raised edges, as if somehow that small touch would provide clarity. The choice before her felt monumental. Green Arbor had become her home, a place where she’d found a family and a purpose beyond anything she’d imagined. The idea of leaving was almost painful, yet the path of a Ronin—a solitary, often grueling life—was intimidating. Her mind spun with thoughts of the battles she’d faced, the lessons she’d learned, and the friends who’d become her family. She knew she needed guidance.

The first person who came to mind was Talon. She knew he would be at the tavern, likely in the middle of a card game, surrounded by his usual crowd of ADF members and villagers. She made her way to the lively, familiar space, her nerves tingling as she spotted Talon laughing with his friends.

"Hey, kiddo!" he called out, noticing her and waving her over. Callie hesitated for a moment before walking over. His lighthearted grin faded as he noticed her serious expression. He set his cards down, signaling to the others to keep the game going without him. “What’s on your mind?” he asked gently, guiding her to a quieter corner.

Callie took a deep breath, holding up the letter. "I got this from Sentinel Command. They’re giving me a choice: I can go back to the base and continue training there, or... I can stay here and train as a Ronin with Ava." She met Talon’s eyes, searching for some hint of reassurance.

Talon’s expression softened, and he nodded thoughtfully. "That’s a huge decision, Callie," he said, his tone steady. "Being a Ronin... it’s no small thing. It’s a path that demands everything you have and then some. Ava will push you hard. She’ll make you question yourself. But if she’s offering this... she sees something in you, something special.”

Callie’s gaze dropped to her hands, fingers still clutching the letter. "I want to stay here, Talon. I’ve learned so much, but I’m scared. What if... what if I’m not strong enough?"

Talon placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his voice kind but firm. "You’ve got more strength in you than you realize, kiddo. I’ve seen it. Ava’s seen it. But this choice has to come from you. If you decide to take this on, know that we’ll be here for you every step of the way." He offered her a reassuring smile. “And if Ava ever pushes you too hard, just tell me. I’ll knock some sense into her.”

A small laugh escaped Callie’s lips, and she felt a bit of the tension ease. She nodded, grateful for Talon’s support. “Thanks, Talon.”

Feeling a bit lighter, Callie headed to find Echo. She made her way to the school, where his mobile unit was stationed.

As Callie approached Echo’s mobile unit was outside the school, his screen flickered to life with a warm smile. "Hello, Callie! It’s good to see you," Echo greeted, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

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"Hi, Echo," Callie said, settling beside him on a bench. She took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her coat. "I need to talk to you about something important."

Echo’s screen displayed a curious expression, the small animated eyebrows raising slightly. "Of course. What’s on your mind?"

Callie explained her dilemma, her voice soft as she expressed the fear of possibly leaving Green Arbor and the friends she’d made. "If I do go... I’ll miss you, Echo. I’ll miss everyone."

Echo’s screen showed a saddened expression. "You’re my friend, Callie. I don’t want you to go either. But if you do... will you write me letters? Just so I know you’re okay."

A small smile crept onto Callie’s face, touched by the thought. "Of course, Echo. But only if you write me back. I’d love to hear from you too."

Echo’s screen brightened, his expression shifting to excitement. "Yes! We could be pen pals! And... we could even send each other chess moves."

Callie laughed, the image of Echo sending chess strategies making her feel instantly lighter. "I love that idea. You’d keep me sharp, Echo."

Echo’s screen displayed a playful grin. "I’ll even help you practice... so you’ll have no choice but to get better."

They shared a warm, comforting silence for a moment. Finally, Callie gave Echo’s screen a gentle tap. "Thank you, Echo. You always make me feel like everything will be okay."

"And it will be," he replied softly, his screen displaying a supportive smile. "No matter what you choose, you have friends who believe in you."

Her last stop was the medical center, where Jess was busy tending to an ADF member with a bandaged arm. Jess looked up as Callie entered, her face brightening. “Well, if it isn’t our hero!” she teased, noticing Callie’s serious expression.

Callie took a deep breath, explaining the choice she faced. "They’re giving me a chance to stay here with Ava as my mentor or go back to the base. I don’t know what to do, Jess. I’m... scared.”

Jess nodded, her face softening with understanding. She placed a comforting hand over Callie’s. “I won’t lie to you, Callie. Becoming a Ronin isn’t easy. But there’s no wrong choice here. You’ve come so far, and no matter what, we’re proud of you. You have to decide what you want, what’s in your heart.” She gave Callie’s hand a gentle squeeze. "And remember, Ava may be a tough mentor, but she cares deeply. You’ll have her and all of us to lean on."

Callie felt tears welling up. "Thank you, Jess. I just needed to hear it."

Jess wrapped her in a warm hug. "We’re here for you, no matter what you choose." As they parted, Jess added, “But remember, being a Ronin means more than skill. It means carrying the weight of what we all stand for. It means sacrificing more than you might imagine. Make sure you’re ready for that.”

As Callie left the medical center, her thoughts swirled with the conversations she’d had. She wandered through the bustling market, breathing in the scent of fresh bread and spices, the sounds of laughter and chatter filling her ears. In the midst of it, she spotted Matt, working at his father’s stall, the sun casting a warm glow over his face. She paused, watching him, her heart a mix of emotions—hope, longing, and the fear of leaving behind this place she’d come to love.

The weight of her decision settled over her again, but as she looked around at the village and thought of the people who had become her family, she felt a surge of determination. She wasn’t alone. And, whatever her decision, she knew that she had a place here, with friends who cared and a future she could shape.

The choice was hers to make, and as daunting as it was, she felt a glimmer of excitement amidst the fear. With a final, deep breath, she folded the letter and tucked it safely in her jacket, knowing she would face the decision head-on, just as she had everything else.