The stranger's voice surprised Fatima. She'd been expecting...what? Definitely not someone who sounded so ordinary and female. She should have been used to surprises. Should have been better at controlling her expectations. But she was feeling especially vulnerable, so she had to forgive herself.

Or something.

"No," she agreed, watching the piece of paper crinkle and brown. "Guess I figured a symbolic gesture would just be a good way to get started."

She paused. And frowned. "Not working so well so far."