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On exiting my car, I carefully scanned for anyone that seemed out of place. My palms felt sweaty, and I was riven with anxiety, walking hurriedly from the car parking lot toward the University.
Inside Columbia’s hallowed halls felt no better, especially since my nerves drove a desperate need to answer the call of nature. As I deviated from our agreed route to the cafe, I heard Rania’s quickening steps as she caught up and followed me inside a toilet.
“Surely I can go for a pee alone?”
“That depends on your definition of being alone, Amy.”
“Shall we agree that I can occupy the stall without you sitting on my lap?”
“Agreed.”
Rania had stuck to me like glue from the moment Victor left us. It felt very disconcerting because she was a complete stranger, after all. Returning to the University after having taken flight on a previous visit served up an uncomfortable reminder that I wasn’t safe.
After relieving myself, I met Rania a couple of feet outside my stall, occupying a sink far longer than anyone, even a girl in the toilet, had any business doing.
We glanced at one another in the large mirror while I washed my hands. I felt off balance and mildly resentful of her for causing that, catching myself because I knew it wasn’t her fault.
She’s the solution.
Rania read my mood perfectly well, shooting me a disarming smile.
“Safety is illusionary, Amy.”