'What should I do? I've never comforted anyone before.'
Betty decided to pat Claire's back… except her "pat" landed with the force of a hammer.
"Ouch! Ouch!"
Betty froze, meeting Claire's teary glare. Claire hunched over, rubbing her back with a wounded expression.
"Don't you know how to comfort someone? Why are you slapping me like that?"
"Oh sorry," Betty mumbled, awkwardly withdrawing her hands and stepping back.
Before the moment could get more uncomfortable, a drowsy voice cut through the air. "Why are you shouting, Aunt Claire?"
Sophia sat up on the couch, rubbing her eyes, her hair sticking up in all directions.
The moment Sophia spotted Betty, the sleepiness vanished from her face, replaced by a bright, beaming smile.
"You're back!"
She hopped down from the sofa without hesitation. Betty stiffened at the sudden movement. "Careful, dear," she said quickly, stepping forward.
Sophia landed in her arms, and Betty caught her in a firm embrace, holding her close.
