The second hour felt heavier than the first, precisely because Noel knew what was coming. Asian was not a fortress to be respected; she was a barrage of intelligent questions, a tiny, volatile reporter ready to pierce any façade. Her boldness was a direct threat to the sanctity of the traveler lie Ariel insisted upon.
The setting was the same—the sandy, sun-drenched playground near the pier. Noel arrived with the same measured pace, finding Ariel already situated on the bench, flanked by her two daughters. Esther immediately clutched Ariel's jacket, her small face disappearing instantly as Noel approached.
Asian, however, was already in motion.
She abandoned her game near the swings and marched directly across the sand, stopping three feet from Noel. Her posture was defiant, her han
