This Is How I Know

She sat alone from the others in the room, isolating herself so she could think. She slowly fingered the tattoo on her forearm that linked her to the organization that worked against everything she believed in. She'd only joined to keep the room's occupants safe. Her ploy had worked, but it had its price.
They would be coming soon, and there was nothing else she could do.  Appealing to Daniel would be her only option. Maybe if they did something soon enough everyone would be safe.
Re-covering her arm, Miriam walked to Irina.  Surely Irina will know what to do.  She already knows my secret.
She tapped Irina's shoulder. "I need help."  
"Of course," she said, leading Miriam to a secluded corner of their hideaway.  Miriam explained everything, leaving out no detail.  "It's time you tell him the truth."
Miriam nodded. That's what I was afraid of.
She strengthened her resolve with a deep breath, than quickly crossed the room over to Daniel.
"Daniel, they're coming."
"What?" Daniel turned to face her.
"Daniel, they know where we are. It's not safe here."
He's mad. I knew it, I knew it! He's not taking this well.
I wish I had never done any of this.
"How do you know this? We've been safe before.  We can run before they catch us."
"Not this time."
My voice cracked. Why is it cracking? Why am I crying?
"What haven't you told me, Miriam?"
He was shouting, and the room was silent.
"How do you know we're in danger?"
"This is how I know!" She screamed back at him, tearing back her sleeve.  The tattoo was visible for everyone to see.
Now there's no secret for me to hide, and I'm partially relieved.
The look on Daniel's face broke her heart.

--

All is well, Daniel assessed.  The fireplace was heating the room nicely, well lit by lighting on the walls.
Some of the younger ones were enjoying a small game, while others were quiet, and working on personal activities. Of course, not everyone was there; those not missing were scrounging for food in the snowy night.  This was normal in war; he saw Irina and Miriam walking towards shadows.
It was dangerous, even lighting the fires, he knew.  The lights and smoke could attract the soldiers without warning. However, in a rare moment of generosity with such things, Daniel gave the okay signal.
"Daniel?"
I wonder what Miriam wants.
"They're coming."
Oh, no. How could I have been so stupid? Why did I allow the fire, and lights?
"What?" he asked, making sure he heard correctly. He turned to face her.
"Daniel, they know where we are. It's not safe here."
I was afraid of that.  Where can we go? It's the middle of the night.
"How do you know this? We've been safe before. We can run before they find us."
It wasn't really true, but it sounded reassuring enough.
"Not this time."
Dear Lord, she sounds so scared.
"What haven't you told me, Miriam?"
The room became silent when he began to shout.
Miriam responded, "This is how I know!" just as loud.
No. Not Miriam. How could she?
Daniel wanted nothing more than to curl up and cry, but tears had to be saved for later.
"You betrayed us all."
He looked at the bridge of her nose, so that he would have the same impact without truly making eye contact.
His mother had taught him that trick before they'd separated.
Miriam ran off before Daniel could order her to leave. He stared at her as she fled; his eyes hard.