That was certainly something strange to contemplate. It sounded like a reversal of circumstances; where Scott was the one lost in Cassie's place. Hearing her say it, as much as he told himself this wasn't Cassie, this was Stature, it was like getting a phone call from an old friend and hearing one of the gang from college had passed away. That strange disconnect, and the guilt. I should have stayed in touch. I should have appreciated the time we had. The memories were already distant. This Scott, Tony had to remind himself, was still somewhere out there, though. At least, as far as anyone knew.
The strange blow that came with her words had Tony forfeiting the respectful distance in a careless second, dropping to sit next to her at the edge of the roof, black helmet resting between them and his hands tucked between his knees. "That sounds like they were just looking out for you," he pointed out, tilting his head and trying to look sympathetic to her reasoning. He didn't really have comforting words for her loss. That wasn't a role he had much practice in. "It's a dangerous job. You're just, what, 14? 15? They understand what you're getting into a lot more than you do, I can guarantee that. Your mom saw it with Scott, she--" There it was again. Peggy wasn't this girl's mother. Believing that meant whatever these kids were sent for was working.