Claimed Hearts

Carmen found it strange that Valerie was unusually cheerful today.

"Do I have something on my face? You've been staring at me all morning," Valerie asked, slurping on her bowl of chicken soup.

A faint smile tugged at Carmen's lips. "You're acting a little different today. What's got you so happy? Care to share?"

Carmen had become livelier because of Valerie, though she showed this softer side to t