Teardrops and Trophies Open Closed

Maria slung her messenger bag across her chest and walked with Rosie towards the door. The empty room remained silent. Their voices and the echoes of their shoes on the floor were the only sound that could be heard. The older girl introduced herself again and made special mention of the cookies in the kitchen. She would have to take note of that, for future reference.

Rosie reassured her once more that it was okay for her to ask questions. It made Maria a little more sure of herself, knowing that being a little confused was okay. Before they made their way out of the Trophy Room, she leaned against the door and offered to give the new Huffle a tour of the castle. Maria shyly looked down and smiled.

“I-um, I’ll take a rain check and go back to the common room, I don’t think I’m looking too good right now.” She could only imagine the disheveled state her crying session must have left her in. Her hair must have looked like a mess after she ran her hands through it multiple times. Her eyes must have been swollen, as she felt the need to squint a little to relieve the dull ache that had settled in. She had loosened her tie when she came in in a effort to make herself feel a little less suffocated. All in all she probably looked like a mess- not quite the look she wanted to go for while strolling the halls of the castle.

“But really, this was nice. And I promise, I’ll hold you to that tour sometime.” She gave the Rosie one last warm smile and started to head out. But before she did turned to her new friend one more time.“Would it be alright if I hugged you?”