Cynthia Dion:
I stood there in confusion, watching her face and getting worried.
"Huh?" she nearly shouted before bursting into laughter. "I'm just kidding," she said, slapping her head, and then her expression shifted.
"Y---," I stuttered, but she had already stopped laughing and pranking me.
"I'm really glad you came home," she exclaimed, bouncing up and down with excitement until she noticed my expression and frowned. "Did that happen in the game today?" she inquired, and I had to fib to her.
"Yes," I muttered.
"Come in; you'll catch a cold," she stepped aside and welcomed me inside. Once I was indoors, she embraced me tightly, despite the pain from my bruise, I returned the hug willingly. Her arms were a source of comfort to me. After we let go, I moved ahead, and she lingered b
