"You don't think I'm telling the truth?" Cath's voice was low and tremulous, yet it was piercing enough to cut through the room's silence.
Her words hit me like a challenge as I looked up from the coffee mug I was holding. Her eyes, which I used to believe I understood better than my own, were filled with an inexplicable mixture of hurt, rage, and perhaps even a glimmer of hope.
I put the coffee down and stated slowly, "It's not about believing you." It's about determining how to proceed. Together.
Cath gave a nasty, nearly barking chuckle. "Companions? Mike, do you even understand what that means?
Her accusation stung more than I anticipated. I wanted to protect myself and fire back, but I refrained. She was not mistaken.
"Then demonstrate for me," I responded steadily. "Cath, tell m
