The dour expression on Sasha's face was enough to tell Ivy about her suffering, and she patted the older woman's shoulder, who flinched a little.
Realizing what she had done, Sasha immediately apologized, "I am sorry… I didn't mean to…"
However, when her eyes met with Ivy's deep, meaningful gaze, her head lowered in shame.
Ivy understood Sasha's reaction. She, too, once had developed this instinct. After being violated for many years, Ivy might have become a Mimosa pudica. Thanks to her biological parents, she was eventually able to overcome her flinching habits.
"It's alright. It's nothing to be ashamed of." Ivy assured and asked in a good-natured manner, "Do you want me to lead you to the military base?"
Sasha's eyes lit up and she nodded with an excited expression, "That would be great!"
