.
Startled, I turned around to find Mrs. Blythe standing behind me, pointing upwards. Hastily, I scurried up the stairs.
"What is the matter with you, Thalia?" Mrs. Blythe asked sternly once we were back in the room.
"Nothing," I responded boldly.
"Thalia, I'm forty years old!" Mrs. Blythe said and my head dropped immediately as I realized I was talking to an adult.
"I... I... I miss our friendship," I mumbled, my voice quivering, tears welling up in my eyes as I kept my head lowered.
"He's my only friend," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Mrs. Blythe crossed her arms over her chest and, with tenderness, drew me closer to her. She cradled my head against her chest, and in that moment, I felt the warmth and love of a mother once again.
