Aria's POV
It was Kara Jones, my dorm mate. She rolled her cleaning cart inside, exhaustion softening her weathered face. Despite everything, she smiled when she saw us.
She removed her vest and washed her hands before walking over. "Lana's such a good girl," she said warmly. "But are you sure it's okay bringing her out there? The cold's no joke."
Kara meant well. She always did.
I smiled faintly. "Lana's picky about who she's with. She won't let me out of her sight."
Kara chuckled, shaking her head. "That's true. The second you're gone, she cries like the world's ending. I offered to watch her, but that baby's loyal."
I held Lana closer, warmth blooming in my chest. "She's been with me since she was born. We've never been apart."
Something softened in Kara's eyes. "You mentioned yo
