Lucas stood frozen, watching Kiera cry. He raised his hand, hovering it uncertainly in the air, unsure of how to comfort her.
His voice trembled as he asked, "Why... why are you crying?" His eyes searched her face for answers, but he found none.
Kiera sat with her head bowed, her gaze fixed on the bag containing her books. These books had once been her companions, her escape.
Now, they felt like relics of a time she could barely remember. A wave of sorrow washed over her, and she felt the weight of the distance that had grown between her and her former self.
Suddenly, she couldn't bear it any longer. She sprang to her feet and threw her arms around Lucas, holding him tightly.
Lucas, taken aback by the sudden embrace, hesitated for a moment before instinctively wrapping his arms around her.
He could feel her body trembling against his, and his heart ached for her. He began to softly pat her back, trying to offer what little comfort he could.
