Gifts
When Mei Sinan arrived, she happened to see Hesta striding out through the gates of the compound. Behind her, many people were still gathered together.
Hesta saw him too. As she passed him, her gaze fell on him. "Did Sophie come again?"
"Yes." Mei Sinan immediately fell into step beside her. "She received your email last night, but she couldn't get through to Officer Silei, so..."
"Officer Silei may have gone somewhere with poor signal. Why didn't she just call me directly?"
"...I don't know," Mei Sinan answered softly. "Today, she brought back some patients who had responded well to treatment. Sophie said that perhaps having them talk about their treatment experiences at the hospital could help the rest overcome their fear of medication..."
"A very good idea."
Mei Sinan laughed, as if she had been praising him.
Hesta walked quickly, and Mei Sinan almost had to jog to keep up. As they went, he caught a faint smell of rust and raw meat. Curious about its source, he looked around and discovered that Hesta was carrying a thick black plastic bag.
"What are you carrying?"
Hesta chuckled. "Don't ask questions you shouldn't."
"Sophie!" Hesta stepped onto the grass outside the manor and immediately spotted her old friend talking with the women.
Sophie turned around, and Wosandta peeked out from beside her.
"I need to speak with Wosandta. Just for a moment." Hesta walked over to her. "Can you let me be alone with her for a while?"
"Of course," Sophie said. "As it happens, I have something to discuss with you too. See you in a bit."
Hesta smiled faintly and waved to Wosandta. The old woman started after her, and Eunice immediately rose as well.
"Eunice, stay here." Hesta noticed Eunice following. "Just stay here."
"Stay