Meanwhile, Harper whisked Maya back to her room, the door clicking shut behind them. She stopped short, turning to face her with a sudden intensity, eyes locking on Maya’s.
Maya froze. “What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”
Harper’s lips trembled, and before Maya could react, she pulled her into a tight, unexpected hug. Maya stiffened for a moment, caught off guard, but instinctively wrapped her arms around Harper.
Harper’s voice broke as she spoke into Maya’s shoulder, tears wetting the fabric of her shirt. “I’m… I’m just so proud of you!”
Maya pulled back slightly, still stunned. “Harper… what’s… what’s wrong?”
Harper sniffed, a shaky laugh escaping her. “Nothing’s wrong. I just… I can’t believe it. You didn’t run. You took everything in like a champ, accepted him, his world
