On the way home, Ben often stroked Elzi's hand, a gesture she returned. Ben turned at the right moment, when the traffic light allowed it. He decided he had given Elzi enough time.

“Feeling better now?”

When Ben saw that Elzi looked disheveled after her encounter with Mario earlier, he let her calm down first. Ben remained silent, not saying anything for a long time.

“Yes,” Elzi replied, nodding. She seemed to take a long breath; her eyes not quite focused as she stared ahead. “Maybe I'm about to get my period? That's why I'm a little sensitive today.”

Ben could only shake his head at Elzi's words, but he...