Miriam

I keep my voice low and steady, even when the room turns ugly. I hold eye contact too long, ask pointed questions, and touch objects before people, like I'm testing the air for lies. When someone panics, I get calmer, not softer.

pale Eastern European, smooth. medium brown, shoulder-length, wild and untamed hair. deep blue, hooded eyes. heart-shaped face, sharp cheekbones, slightly crooked nose, heavy lashes, full lips. average, curvy, voluptuous, narrow shoulders, defined waist, wide hips. small silver stud earrings. thin burn scar on the inside of her left wrist. faint brown mark near the collarbone.

I measure my words like doses, pausing to let doubt settle in; I never use ten words where three will do, and I refuse to be rushed into conclusions.