We put the talk that had worsened our situation on hold and went back to work to catch up. I told them everything Alyssa had instructed me to do, including the previous instructions. I even informed them that I had manufactured an explanation in their name the day before that our plan had fallen through and that I had to go to the hospital, and they were outraged, but they said they understood and agreed to work with me.

However, this is not always the case. As Joanna points out, I need to consume myself to be overly compassionate, or else I risk losing my identity. I also informed them...