“Yeah, about that, so Hippie Girl suggested that—”
“Hippie Girl? Just stop—everyone, stop,” Kathy interrupted. She had two fingers on her forehead.
“I need to hurry before it gets dark,” Jioni said. She continued to walk.
“Hippie Girl’s advice is awful, and she’s trouble, ok. I bet she’s five more incidents away from being executed.” Kathy replied. “And I’d feel terrible if you ended up in a similar position to her.”
Jioni only responded with a breath that eased out. Hippie Girl’s fabrication gave her a small amount of hope—the only help she received—the clock was racing, and there was no room for skepticism of this building or Hippie Girl’s character. Jioni walked even faster.
“I’m always open to better suggestions,” Jioni said.
“Here’s a suggestion—don’t trust Hippie Girl,” Kathy said. “Trust me. I’m only looking out for you.”