The weight of everything unsaid hung between them as they walked down the hallway, the tension palpable. They passed a classroom, where the young student waved enthusiastically at Juniper. She waved back, her face softening with affection, revealing a glimpse of her softer side.

Tommy, Juniper thought fondly, recalling their brief encounter earlier in the day. He had been standing in line for the water fountain as they walked by him, lost in thought, when a small voice had piped up beside her. “Excuse me, miss?” She had looked down to find Tommy, his big brown eyes wide with curiosity, staring up at her. “I jus wanted to say.. you are the most beautiful girl that I ever did see.” His innocent compliment had taken her by surprise, a blush rising to her cheeks as she stammered out a thank you. Tommy had grinned, his missing front tooth only adding to his charm, before scampering off to join his classmates. Juniper had watched him go, a smile in her eyes, her heart warmed by his guileless nature and the unexpected brightening to the seriousness of the task at hand.