The four women in the room were locked in a moment of silent, intense eye contact. It was a loaded exchange, but perhaps none was as heavy as the one between Blaize and her mother, Vilka.
The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife, and sensing this, Selene decided to break the silence.
"Good morning," she said softly, her voice a gentle balm on the strained atmosphere. She stepped forward, a hopeful, bright smile gracing her lips.
Otsanna and Vilka took a step forward as well.
"Hello, young ones," Otsanna greeted with a welcoming smile. Vilka and Blaize, as if rehearsed, said "Good morning" at the exact same time. Blaize's words, however, stretched out a bit as she stammered .
Another beat of silence hung in the air, another silent exchange of looks passing between them. This time, Otsanna was the first to speak.
