Chloe walked gracefully, her hand reluctantly on Leonel's arm. She held intimately, perhaps, because Chloe couldn't see clearly. What she could make out now, in her wandering gaze, was only the bright lights. Some conversation and laughter among a group of dark shadows. And some bright colors that Chloe assumed were the dresses the women wore at the party.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here," Leonel whispered, words she wanted to turn upside down. She didn't need Leonel now. What for? It was ...