Jayani obediently followed, the elder woman now thoroughly preoccupied.
The study that had been Jayani's not six days ago still bore the imprints of her ten-year occupancy: Plaques of approbation from most the other ecopreserves and from several institutes of higher learning, an antler-like sprig of the indigenous lichen, its many branches in a variety of colors at stark contrast to the somber, stained-wood decor of two-tone mahogany-and-bamboo veneers, book-lined shelves, and tall, narrow windows.
“Lie down,” Yashodha said, closing the door behind her, “and remove that scarf.”
Jayani did so, wondering what her one-time mentor was thinking. She lay on the couch inclined at one end.
Yashodha pulled a glowglobe over, adjusted its settings to focus its light on Jayani's throat. “Close you
