The best companions provide a sense of comfort and no judgement. They create a space to fumble, make mistakes and experiment. Malia provided that sense of empathy and security. She welcomed me like a new friend. Simultaneously completely unreal and totally relaxed. I was fumbling and inarticulate, but she worked with me like an empathetic dance partner. While the encounter was memorable, the elements which stuck with me about the whole experience was her patience and warmth. What more could you ask for?