NICOLE

After we deal with immigration and secure a car to take us to a hotel Roman knows, I ask myself if I did the right thing, even though, naturally, it's way too late for me to turn back.

The port's bustling with life, and the excitement seeps into my bones. Once we're inside the taxi, I don't stop looking out the window. This is the first time I've ever been in a foreign land, and it's exciting, to say the least.

Roman places a hand on my thigh, squeezing my flesh. I turn my head to ...