Elzi felt as if she had snapped out of a trap that almost engulfed her. She pushed away any vulnerability that made her emotions fragile. She reminded herself of her purpose that night.

“Zi?”

Ben's voice brought Elzi back to the present. His concern made her focus return. She saw how worried he was.

“Are you okay? Are you still madding at me?”

Elzi took two deep breaths, as if slapping herself internally. Reminding herself of her original goal. She needed to let Rachel know that she had no connection whatsoever with Mario or Yoseph, and that's why she brought Ben along.

She brushed aside the odd feeling in her...