Midnight yelps at the sudden slap, recoiling from the impact. Her hand touches her cheek, words caught in her throat.

And, sure. Logically, she knows what she said was out of line. There was obviously more to it. It was a gut reaction.

"You don't know my situation either," she finally says, taking a deep breath and stepping back. "But at least Dr. Maruki respects me, so maybe I will."

She turns the other way, ready to leave.