Still no reply. Sarah remained crouched there for a few moments, trying to smile, trying to convey something in her expression—something, anything, to let Laura know that it was going to be alright. That she was safe, now, no matter how daunting the changes were. She hoped she'd emphasised that enough when she said there was no Facility, and therefore no Kimura to punish her, but she couldn't be sure.

She didn't think that words would work, either. Laura needed time to see for herself—and it had definitely been more than enough for one day.

Getting to her feet, Sarah leaned across the bed and picked up the book she'd dropped there when she first came into the room.

“Would you like me to read to you, Laura?” she asked.

This was something familiar, at least.