"That's the truth..." Devika muttered, removing a small elastic from her pocket and tying her hair back. "So, I take it... you're a native of the city?" She usually wouldn't be so vocal with strangers. But he had proven himself kind, and she felt like trying to be friendly. Even if she was tired. While she walked, she lay her hand on the golden bangle circling her opposite wrist. It went from hanging loose enough for her to remove it, to tight around her wrist with no gap. She was sure he wouldn't notice. Men didn't look at jewelry, and she doubted he'd remember the size of the bracelet even if he had seen it before.

Once the bracelet's pressure against her skin increased, she felt her crumbled walls ease back into place. The lesser emotions of the mingled moving crowd faded into a near silent background hum, and she sighed in relief. Much better.