Chapter 23: Maria's New Problem

"It's been three days. Sounds pretty serious. I hope her family's alright." Sophie halted in her, and Maria followed suit with a puzzled look. "She bullied you, Maria." "Yes, she did, but that doesn't mean her family deserves whatever befell upon them." Sophie dropped her gaze to the ground with a sad smiling whisper. "You're really kind, Maria. I wished I was like you." Those emerald eyes widened in a confused shock. "You're kind too, Sophie! If it weren't for you, I would still be–" Maria paused. She wanted to say "hungry and sad" but the words hung dry on her lips. She would remember the feeling of falling into an endless black hole. She swallowed and flashed a bright grin at Sophie's wrinkled brows. "Hungry. I'd still be hungry and lost." Sophie smiled like she had failed to be the top student of the class. "You say the nicest things too." Baffled, Maria hastily explained. "You've been nicest to me, Sophie! You're the best fr