The Missing Ring

Dropping eagerly against Clara's knees, Hazel tilted her face up with shining eyes, waiting for the warm hug and stream of praise that usually came her way. All that fussing used to get on her nerves, yet after days without a single compliment, she missed it.

Much to her dismay, Clara offered only a quiet, noncommittal hum, keeping her hands still without hugging her.

Her tone gave nothing away,