Matthew thought that Mia's return to class would improve everyone's mood. But seeing the usual talkative and gleeful girl sitting in silence with a distant look just made everyone feel worse. The usual carefree atmosphere that surrounded the group was gone, replaced by a gloom that no one knew how to overcome.
During break between classes, Mia tried to force a smile and some small talk. But it was so clear she was pushing herself to do so that it only soured the mood even more.
During lunch, Mia said she was going to the bathroom and told the others to go to the cafeteria ahead of her.
"I don't know what to say to her." Erin said to Tina while picking food at the buffet.
"You don't say anything. You wait for her to get ready to say something. Until then, treat her like you always do." Tina said picking tomato cherries like she was in a supermarket judging them by color and shape.
