Your relationship with Shin is offensive. She can be a beast and a hurricane; on another day as cold as the icy crust of the planet Hoth; and on the third day she shows universal tenderness. You can’t confess, but you’re tired of all this.

Sitting by the window, you saw Hati’s shuttle slowly descended onto the landing pad. What will she be like today?

”My sweet,” her voice sounded tired but indifferent—it was something new. “Come here.”

Coming obediently, you fell into her warm embrace.