this little light of mine

the little foot stomps when he says question, which is something he does every time but are infused with actual frustration while he interrogates grace

the sulky way he says no again and again when grace tries to get him to give him a thumbs up

the way grace's voice breaks when we says "we got stars to save."

"need word. to risk self to save other." / "dumb." and then writes brave with this sort of painful pride because he doesnt know yet

the way grace steps away to have a moment to himself

rocky doing the math on his claws. "i can give. i go home six years slower."

the resolve in rocky's voice when he says he couldnt fix his crew but he can fix this, and grace go home

the way grace's breath hitches when he breaks down

"okay."

"i thought you made peace, question?" / "i didnt mean any of that. that's just something you say."

ending with the hug which is plain adorable.

Story posted on 14.04.2026

What would they think? Would they think he’s a coward, would they think back on him with pity and regret and sadness, would some of them be angry with Stratt, or would they know exactly what had happened? Does Carl forgive Stratt, knowing it absolutely had to be done but unable to look her in the eye ever again? Ryland Grace is hailed a hero. But there are people who know what they did to that poor, cowardly science teacher, and people who know that there were no better options.