First Encounter with Emily Davis

Jessica Wilson sensed her fleeting unhappiness, like a child crushed by sorrow, stirring a pang of empathy.

"Avery, what's wrong?" Jessica inquired.

Avery Miller shook her head, "It's nothing. One of my aunts passed away. Remembering how kind she was to me when I was little just brought back a wave of sadness. Sorry, I always seem to dampen the mood."

"Avery..." Sarah Wilson looked at her, feeling the depth of her sorrow, a heavy pain that seemed to radiate from within. Her aunt must have been as dear to her as a mother.

Seeing her distress, Jessica and Sarah Wilson decided not to press further, offering comfort before Avery found solace alone, basking in the sunlight on the dormitory balcony.

With winter approaching and the chill setting in, sometimes warming up in the sun seemed like a small reprieve for the soul, keeping it from freezing over.