Coral's POV
Coral took a deep breath as she returned to the office, the weight of what she was about to do heavy in her chest. She handed her mom her phone, and Zana looked at her with concern.
"Sweetie, come here. Talk to me. Come to the house; I'll cook you something to eat. You look like you haven’t been eating properly. You look so thin, too," her mom said, standing up.
Coral hesitated before replying, "Okay, Mom, I’ll see you later." She hugged her mother, lingering a little longer than usual. Zaina pulled back slightly, confused. "Why the long hug?"
Coral forced a smile. "No reason." She kissed her mom on the cheek before moving on to hug her dad.
Beta Gregory wrapped Coral in his arms, holding her a bit longer. "It’s okay, sweetie," he said softly, kissing the top of her head.
