The force of it knocks me over, my body landing on the pavement with a thud. I wince as I roll to my feet, checking myself for obvious breaks. I’m scraped and sore, but I’m in one piece. I look up. Luke stands on the balcony, his back to me. He hesitates before pivoting and heading for the same railing I just jumped from. He moves gracefully, every step sharp and sure. There’s a confidence to the way Luke moves, one I can’t help but envy. Sometimes I wonder if he ever takes a wrong step. He swings his leg over the railing, then the other one. There’s no fear, no hesitation in his movements. He grips the metal, his body swinging down. His height helps him here; after all, for him it’s a shorter fall. He hits the ground with much more ease than I did. “I thought I told you to run.” “I didn’t listen.” “Of course, you didn’t.” He gestures toward the alleyway. “Come on.
