Valerie smiled faintly, brushing off Elena'curious look when she asked what had kept her so distracted all day.
"It's a secret," Val said, her tone light,
Dinner passed in their usual rhythm — Elena chatting about the hospital, Anya proudly recounting how she "won" her playground battle, and Valerie smiling . As soon as everyone finished eating ,they all dispersed,as Elena reached the stairs Valerie called out to her " El, would you hate me if you ever find out I hid something from you ?"
Elena smiled and asked "is something wrong ?"
" No….nothing is wrong I was just curious." Valerie said trying to brush it off as an impromptu thought.
"No ,I will never hate you , I might be angry but I know whatever it is …..it's for my own good ." Elena said amidst her yawn "Goodnight Val "
"Goodnight "
