We met Josh at his laboratory as he was finishing up for the day.

“Arca! There you are!” He gave me a big hug. “We were so worried about you. Where have you been?”

“It’s a long story,” I said.

“Come to my house,” Josh said, “I’ve got fresh food and tea.”

Keeping an eye on my surroundings, we quietly walked to Josh’s house.

Josh passed Clarrie and I some vegetables to chop at the kitchen table, while he prepared some pastry in a dish. I lightly cooked the vegetables in a sauce, and Clarrie selected the perfect blend of herbs and spices. We poured the mixture into the pastry dish and Josh put it in the oven to bake.

While we were cooking, I told Josh that I had been attacked by the senile man from The Republic. He found it odd that someone would do such a thing. Senile or not, people were peaceful in these times, being content with practising their talents in the free life we led. Violence was virtually unheard of, but he could see the fear in the way I carried myself this evening. He wanted to help. I explained that the dean said the case would be taken more seriously if anyone else reported any problems with this person.

“I am terrified of this man,” I said. “Could you both vouch for me? Could you both do me an immense favour, and report him to the dean? Say he has dementia and needs to be hospitalised?”

Josh looked at Clarrie.

“Yes,” Clarrie didn’t hesitate.

“I need to see him first,” said Josh. His eyes shifted and I could tell he wanted to help, but not at the cost of being dishonest. “I want to help, Arca,” he rubbed his face, “but I feel uncomfortable about this.”

“It’s OK, I understand,” I said. “It’s a big ask. I don’t want you to feel obligated.”

I stared at the fireplace. My left shoulder tensed and I could not seem to get enough air into me. My hands started shaking, and finally my lungs heaved in a big breath.

Clarrie got up to give me a big hug. “Arca, you can get through this. We can do this. You’ve got us. Just breathe. I’ll speak to the dean first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you. So much.”

“Stay here tonight,” Josh said. “You’ll feel safer.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”