[She feels bad about the worry that she can hear so plainly in his voice, but there’s also an incredible sense of relief when she hears his voice, knowing that he would be there as soon as possible. Because as strong and she considered herself, she really didn’t want to be alone right now.

There’s the sound of her taking a breath, trying to get her thoughts back on track. Maybe Lance thinks his questions are too much but it helps ground her to the moment. Simple answers for simple questions were easier than dealing with the emotional baggage of what just happened.]

I was wounded in a fight. They aren’t serious, but in need of first aid. I am by myself, and I do not believe I was followed.

[She gives him the directions to her old apartment in Olympia. All with a very carefully measured voice. Tense, but controlled, as if reading off a status report. Urgently,]

Please be careful. The man who I engaged with was posing as an Olympian soldier. To what end, I do not know, but he was willing to take a life.

[The last word is fragile around the edges and she closes her eyes against the vision of the young boy whose life was cut short.]