She comes at him like a tiny rocket, so present and so close so suddenly that for a moment, Jason's not sure he hasn't imagined her, but then her arms are around his neck, the familiar scent of her hair in his nose, and Jason grips her tight.

He doesn't feel steady yet, but he's stubborn, not releasing her even for the quick journey to the edge of the boardwalk where he can sit, Lux gathered up in his lap. "I'm okay," he says, letting her look, letting her see that he's unharmed. "I missed you."