Hazel stayed rooted to her place, the guilt, shame, and disappointment, all visible on her face. Her eyes looked around searching for her only hope, her grandmother, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Defeatedly, she looked down, intending to turn around and run back to the room from where she had emerged. With the intention of running, she lifted her foot and suddenly her hand got immediately held by someone.

She looked up and met the clear and determined eyes of Bennett.

“You were taking a long time to come to me.” He said in a low gentle voice and Hazel gave him a small smile, “Are you still...