Canillas sensed Joanna's uneasiness. He said, "Tell me what that is about." He softened his voice, not wanting to make her feel intimidated and more uneasy.
Perceiving such an encouraging gesture, Joanna gulped and then said, "Can you…" But she took a sudden halt as if there was something to be contemplated about despite no intimidating aura emanating from the man who had been looking at her tenderly. Yet about five seconds later, as if she had made up her mind, she completed her request.
"Can you please push back the schedule to leave Terra?" With her fingers fidgeting under the table, Joanna gathered her courage to pose her request, though her voice sounded wary. "My brother is still here. I want to spend some more time with him and also with Father." She added her reason. Hopefully, it was convincing enough for her request to be granted.