Soma nodded. She opened her mouth to say more, but the intercom switched on and her nurse appeared almost instantly.

"Thank you for keeping Maria company, Nina! Come along, M--"

"Soma."

"--Maria, you have a visitor here to see you! I'm sure you'll be excited to meet them!"

Trying to conceal the inexplicable dread she suddenly felt, Soma murmured a quick "Thank you" at Teresa again before she found herself whisked back indoors.