"Sure. Can you put it here?" Fio asks, holding out her left hand. A small gold disc with a dull shine already takes its place tied to her wrist. It's a gift from another passenger. But there's plenty of room to include the friendship bracelet. "This one's also from another friend I made."

While she has her hand out, she looks at it, finding it hard to believe she once wore manacles on those same wrists many months ago. It was a painful symbol that she had to see everyday, reminding her of her social status and fate. Somewhere in her cabin on the ship, those bindings are buried away in a place where she can't see it...

But now, she gets to see and wear things that make her feel warm and happy, new symbols that remind her that she's not alone anymore. She grins. "I'm gonna wear it forever and ever."