“You know, dear,” she said, her eyes twinkling with wisdom as she watched Daniel work, “I’ve seen many come and go through these halls. The ones worth holding onto are the ones who help without being asked.” She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, her excitement barely contained.

Juniper caught the way Mrs. Thompson’s gaze lingered on Daniel, the approving little nod, the warmth in her expression that went beyond professional courtesy. Something twisted in her chest… part validation that she wasn’t imagining things, part an uncomfortable awareness that she wasn’t the only one who noticed. Her fingers tightened slightly on the papers she held, a smile tugging at her lips even as her shoulders tensed.