"She just texted me that she was in the garden, so I came up to catch up with her. Instead, I ran into you all, so I thought I'd come over to say hello…" She then turned and flashed Leo a sweet smile, as if her intentions were pure.
Yet, despite her calm tone, everyone felt suspicious of her explanation; it sounded a little too convenient, almost rehearsed.
"Sophia! I'm here!" A cheerful female voice called out from the far side of the garden. A girl appeared, escorted by a nurse who gently held her left hand as they walked slowly together.
Draped in a thick shawl, her frail, emaciated frame showed the toll of her illness, yet her eyes shone with determination. Despite her weakened body, her voice rang clear and sweet, carrying a warmth that made her seem lively and full of spirit.
Just by hearing her, one could already picture her as the kind of girl everyone adored, the bright, cherished favorite of the class.
