*Gemma*

I didn’t know whether to tell Raisa “congratulations” or “oh no,” so I just brought her into a hug. She stiffened. I quickly drew away. Her teary eyes went wide, and her lips parted in shock. I didn’t peg Raisa to be someone easily surprised by anything.

“What?” I asked nervously. “You haven’t been hugged before?”

She swallowed hard and whispered, “Not in a very long time.”

“In that case.” I scooted ...