Alicia tilted her head slightly. "Why…? Well, I've always been that way," she said with a shrug.
It was a simple answer—but I was not yet satisfied.
'Let me probe some more.'
I leaned in a little, lowering my voice. "If you don't mind… I'd love to hear your story."
It wasn't meant to be heavy, but somehow, the words dragged something tight out of my chest. And I didn't even know why.
Alicia turned to me, mildly surprised. Then her expression shifted into something playfully cruel.
"Oh dear, are you truly that bored?" she teased with a mocking smile. "Well then… I suppose I'm bored too. I knew I should've followed Ruby!"
"And why did you not?" I asked, trying my best to will away the warmth rising to my cheeks.
She tapped a finger to her chin, brows furrowed slightly. "I didn't want Ruby to think I was a nuisance… a burden. Though, if I'm honest, I already am one."