"I've had that happen." But of course, she could no sooner tell him what she'd forgotten than she could remember what it was. "That's the thing about how it all works. You don't feel any different. It's not like amnesia or anything it's like they gradually take away pieces of you until you aren't who you used to be."

She knows what she's saying isn't exactly light and easy but Rose figured it was better to know the reality of living here than be fed some line. She knew some people grew to like Atia - as much as anyone could - and she herself had to acknowledge that despite her wishes, she really shouldn't be in a hurry to get back but if you're going to sign up to stick around? You need to know the truth, not the hearts and flowers explanation.

"No clue. But it's pretty common that they bring people you know... at least for most people." Not her, not much. There'd been a few faces over the years but then they were gone, too. "People I know back home... they're better off where they are." Safe. Protected. Rose would have lost her mind if Liss' ever showed up.