"I don't know if it's always the way," Ariadne replied. "I like to think that people are good, deep down inside. But there is something to be said for a foundation of empathy."

She examined Anders, her head tilted to one side.

For a moment, she debated asking the question. Not just any question. It was The Question. And when she asked it, she had a tendency to see either the best or worst in people. She already liked Anders. She hoped she wouldn't be disappointed.

"Do you want to talk about it?"