The conversation between Atlas and me has lingered in my mind over the past few days, like a persistent echo I cannot shake off. As much as I yearn to lash out and rebel against everything that was said, I find myself unable to do so. I cannot afford to let people believe I am a threat or that I should disappear. I have to continue to protect the people I love here. Even if they don’t think they need protecting. 

Settling into a wooden chair in La Moria, the quaint local ...