You do? [ Now that earns her a soft laugh from Mariette. ] Me too. I got used to it after a while. Things got worse and worse, then they just... stayed the same. [ When you hit rock bottom, where else was there to go anyway?

Maybe there's something in her that feels a connection with this current line of thinking. It certainly puts things into perspective for her. ]

'Least we'll both take credit for it. Besides, a public shaming isn't the worst thing ever. [ She shifts her gaze to the passengers of the train, to the couples and groups demonstrating what it really is like to be a part of the society here. ] I have a feeling it happens all the time here, it probably isn't even a strange sight anymore.