It was a reasonable concern, Rita had to admit. If someone was released while borrowing something valuable, there was a good chance the item would be gone forever, or that it would fall into the hands of a roommate who didn’t care to return it.

“I won’t die,” Rita replied firmly, partly to reassure Taura, and partly to reinforce her own resolve. She’d survived this much, and while she knew her body was in a fragile state, she simply wasn’t going to allow herself to die from anything. If that meant retreating from danger, then that was what she was going to do.

It looked like Taura already figured Rita wasn’t planning to spend a quiet night in her room. She appreciated that the woman knew her that well, at least. “Sure. See you around.” With a small, casual wave, Rita walked to the block exit, and turned into the next hallway. This time, she didn’t limp.

[to here]