When Mama Xylia got closer to her, Afina saw the dark circles under her eyebags. It was either she had been crying or keeping sleepless nights.
Afina originally wanted to embrace her mother but Mama Xylia had a grave serious look on her face. She took Afina's hands in hers and began to lead her away.
"Why Xylia? We are not done with her!" Afina heard Ma. Danice's voice roared from behind but Mama Xylia paid no heed to her.
She only kept on leading Afima on until they got inside the house.
The moment the door shut behind them, Mama Xylia took her warmly in her arms.
"Baby Blue." she beamed after withdrawing from the embrace and now cupping Afina's cheeks. "How has the high house treated you?"
Afina made sure to wear a reassuring smile on her face. She did not want to give Mama Xylia the wrong impression of the high house because, in all truthfulness, she was enjoying her stay in the high house.
