“I’m not going to hurt you, so don’t be afraid,” she said, softening slightly.

“I’m not afraid,” I admitted, “but I am worried about you.”

“Me? You must mean Hina. You have no idea who I am,” she laughed, leaving me uneasy.

“Caring about someone doesn’t require knowing them,” I replied. I wanted her to understand that empathy could exist even without full understanding.

Her eyes narrowed, curious now. “Why are you concerned?” she asked, studying me intently, ...