CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN - Fortifying the Last Refuge

Nia hesitated, then decided to share a partial truth. "I... I've been feeling unsafe lately. Like I'm being watched or followed. I know it sounds paranoid, but-" "It doesn't sound paranoid," Kathy interrupted. "It sounds scary. Have you reported this to the police?" Nia shook her head. "I don't have any concrete evidence. Just... a feeling." Kathy reached out, taking Nia's hand. "Feelings like that are often our intuition trying to protect us. Have you taken any precautions?" Nia gestured around the apartment. "Yeah, I got this security system installed. And new locks. It helps, but..." "But you still don't feel completely safe," Kathy finished for her. Nia nodded, feeling tears prick at her eyes. "I'm exhausted, Kathy. I can't sleep, I can barely focus at work. I don't know what to do." Kathy squeezed her hand. "First, we're going to finish this meal. Then, I'm going to teach you some techniques that might help you relax a bit. Okay?" After they finished eating, Kathy guided N