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Langston stops the car on the edge of town, parking it along the side of the round He steps out and opens the door forhis hand to helpused to not depending on him

I cliston doesn’t talk to me, look at me

We walk in silence in the direction of the desert, down a path to a se of town

When we reach the house, Langston knocks, and ait in silence until a , and she wears a long tan dress She looks between us and then motions for us to come inside

It appears that Diego has told her to expect us because she doesn’t ask e are or e are here

“Sit,” she co four chairs

Langston and I both sit as the woman heads into her kitchen and returns with a cup of tea for each of us

She doesn’t speak, and I’et used to the silence After what I’ve d

one, no one will ever want to speak to ing us

“My name is Ramla Please, drink your tea”

We both drink, hesitantly, like the tea is poisoned with a truth seruain, but the tea soothes the ache in my belly, and I’m able to keep it down Not only am I able to keep it down, but the tea rejuvenates me and makes me feel more like myself

Ra for answers in the e drink our tea

“You did it,” she says to me It’s not a question, it’s a state she’s referencing ston

Langston looks atlike he doesn’t understand I’et the clue and move on with our lives

She looks to Langston “I need you to come with me”