Dorothea had grown quite a bit; her school skirt was now noticeably short. Since Blackwood Academy uniforms could only be tailored at a designated shop, Avery took her there directly after school.
During the fitting, Dorothea stood on her tiptoes, reaching for a potted ivy on the counter. Avery pulled her back gently. "Stay still, baby. If the measurements are off, we'll have to fix it all over again."
Dorothea stood obediently, her rabbit tucked under her arm, its long ears brushing against the measuring tape. The clerk smiled, commenting on how well-behaved the little girl was. Dorothea didn't look up; she simply tucked the rabbit's ears into her palm.
After leaving the tailor, Avery realized Dorothea's shoes had also become too tight. There was a mall near the school, less than a ten
