Four shifted in her seat, the multilayered skirts swished as she flicked open a bone-white fan to cool herself, its folded paper vanes rustling in the air. "This is difficult for me to discuss, you understand. I’ve never been great at sharing my emotions. It’s not that I don’t have the capacity—I’m hardwired for empathy—it’s more that the voids are such a specific part of me discussing them feels like disrobing, showing my nakedness, and the idea revolts me." She shifted again and set the fan in her lap. Red spots had appeared on her cheeks, small and hot, burning with shame. "But I need you to understand the reasons before I explain the price." She gave a sad smile. "I apologize in advance but it’s getting late, and I don’t have all day."