"Yes, this place doesn't seem to leave anyone untouched, even if sometimes it's harmless," I say with a quiet smile, imagining the chocolate didn't do any damage to a young, married couple. I hadn't done anything to Simon and I, either, really. Just a heap of embarrassment and a knock to my bank account. I have to remind myself that the money was free in the first place, so I can't feel too badly about it.

"Simon and I are good. He remains my beacon in this place," I sigh. This place feels almost like a haven being here with him, unbothered by problems back home. And yet, I still miss other things. But if it was a choice between home and Simon, I know who I'd pick. "Could you imagine being stuck here without Ross?"