The Woman Who Came Knocking

"Yikes, Avery, why are you crying?" Sarah Wilson's loud voice suddenly echoed, drawing the attention of everyone huddled together scrolling through social media towards her.

Avery wiped the corners of her eyes, realizing with embarrassment that she had indeed shed tears.

"Avery, are you okay?" Jessica Wilson asked, offering a comforting pat on her back.

"I'm fine," Avery Miller reassured her with a shake of her head and a chuckle, "Seems my eyes have aged, starting to cry on their own. I should probably have them checked during the holiday, haha."

Sarah Wilson, caught in the awkward laughter, felt embarrassed as well.

"Are you really okay?" Jessica Wilson whispered to Avery during class. 

Avery only shook her head, indicating she was alright, though Elijah Martinez, sitting behind them, frowned with concern.