The interviewer chuckled softly after complimenting Thalia’s couture gown, her pen above the notebook.

“So, Thalia,” she began, leaning forward with a smile. “Can you tell me about your journey so far?”

Thalia nodded slowly, her hands resting on her lap. “My journey hasn’t been easy. It was tough and, yunno...” she exhaled with a dry laugh. “I don’t have much to say.”

“You don’t need to say too much,” the woman encouraged gently. “Just tell us about your ...