*Jared*
Bang!
The bedroom door burst open and Eliza stormed in.
“Uh… is something wrong?” I arched an eyebrow as she stomped into the room, arms crossed. Her eyes were bright with anger.
Her lower lip quivered.
No, it wasn’t anger, it was disappointment.
“Eliza, what’s wrong?” I set my pen down and stood up.
She ran to me and threw herself into my arms.
“Ugh.” I took a half step back to brace against the force.
Eliza nuzzled her face into my chest. Her tears soaked through my shirt and I felt the wetness on my skin. Her shoulders shook slightly with silent sobs.
“Hey, hey, what’s going on?” I rubbed her back and squeezed her tightly. “Talk to me.”
“M-my parents…” her words were muffled in my shirt and she broke down in sobs again.
I scooped Eliza into my arms and carried her to the bed. Propped up on pillows, I leaned back slightly. She curled up against my chest, clutching my shirt in her fingers.