Kaya had not imagined that her feelings were somehow being felt by her friends: instead, for the moment, she was unpacking them a cake she purchased while she had been traveling about, just so they all had a treat. It looked delicious too: black chocolate frosting with dollops of cream and what looked like sprinkled cookie bits atop.

"Glad you feel relaxed," she said, smiling. "Now for our treat!"

She would talk once they were more comfortable.