Can I Play With Your Cat

Lia notices that Xialin has gone silent. Lia looks at her in concern. 

Xialin bites her lips to stop them from trembling. She blinks rapidly, trying to keep the small teardrops that were forming out of her clear crystal eyes. 

Lia then realized, almost immediately, the reason why Xialin was so distressed. Immediately, Lia felt a sense of pity, as well as a sense of dread. How could she be so reckless, so insensitive? Xialin had lost her mother, her father, and most of her family. In a pang, Lia realized that this girl, like her, had lost most of her family. However, Lia had been so insensitive toward her, even bringing up such a painful subject to her. 

Lia felt a sense of connection, a link between Lia and Xialin. They were both so much alive, being brought up by their grandparents. It was harsh missing the warmth of their parents.