April wiped her tears quickly when she heard the door to the slave quarters creak open. Jessica stepped inside, her usual warm smile faltering when she noticed April's red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked face. Concern washed over Jessica as she hurried over to April's side, kneeling beside her.
"April, what's wrong?" Jessica asked softly, reaching out to brush a tear from April's cheek. "Why are you crying?"
April bit her lip, trying to control the trembling in her voice. She couldn't tell Jessica the truth, couldn't let her friend know the secret she was now forced to carry. So she forced herself to lie, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I just... I miss my family," April murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I wish they were still alive. I wish they were here with me."
Je
