Evening Detour

Valerie's smile deepened. She opened her arms, saying, "Alright, don't cry. Worst case, I'll hug you."

Stella couldn't help but laugh at that and then, taking it seriously, stepped forward and hugged Valerie. "Thank you," she whispered.

Valerie patted Stella's back with a sigh, jokingly lamenting, "I don't know how to respond when you thank me like that. Warm and soft in my arms like this, I almos