Lunch. Noon.
Same dining area. Different food but same routine.
Sandwiches. Vegetables. Water.
"Sit. Eat."
The girl ate.
Atlas watched her. Watched the way she moved. The way she followed commands without thought.
"Can I try?" he asked Isabella.
"Try what?"
"Giving her a command. To see if she responds to me yet."
Isabella considered. "Go ahead. But don't be disappointed if she doesn't. Trust takes time."
Atlas looked at the girl. "Drink your water."
She didn't move.
"Drink. Your. Water."
Nothing.
Isabella intervened. "Drink your water."
The girl picked up the glass. Drank.
Atlas's jaw clenched.
"Don't take it personally," Isabella said. "You're still associated with trauma. With James. With failure. She won't respond to you until we break that association. Build a new one
