Winnie tore open a bag of whole wheat crackers, using them to lightly brush away the lingering thoughts and feelings she wanted to avoid.

She was concerned about water retention, so she had only had an iced Americano for breakfast and was now making do with just two pieces of whole wheat crackers to stave off hunger, eating less than the chickens in a grain field.

The event venue was located in a high-end shopping mall in the city center, with a five-star hotel nearby. The area ...