The first group session was like the facilitator had explained. It was held in a circular room with large windows and cushions arranged in a semicircle.

There were fifteen people in total, eight women and seven men that frustratingly included Alejandro.

Elise chose a seat near the window where she distracted herself by studying the pattern of clouds, when a movement came to her left side, making her tense up.

She did not need to turn to know who it was, as Alejandro settled onto the cushion beside her.

He didn’t look at her, but she felt the deliberate space he was creating, or rather, maintaining.

“Good morning, everyone.” The...