Sunshine filtered through the cafeteria windows, warming my skin as I leaned over a bowl of lukewarm soup and sipped from my mango-banana smoothie, the tang of fruit lingering on my tongue. A gentle buzz of conversation and the soft clink of cutlery formed a cozy hum around Aarti and me.
I was almost done when Jackson found me. His voice warmed me instantly. “Good afternoon, girls." He pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Hi Jackson."
"Hey."
"What are you doing tonight?" he asked, his lips curving slightly. Jackson had, as promised, given me space and left me on my own last night.
I shrugged. "The usual."
"Want to join me tonight at Animal Haven?”
Aarti—sweet and perceptive—rolled her eyes, excusing herself with a wink before fetching yogurt from the cool room.
I stared through the
