Willow caught up to Indigo a few moments later. The other girl still had that small, fragile smile on her face. Without hesitation, Willow linked their arms together.
"Don't take their words to heart," Willow said softly. "They're not worth it."
Indigo glanced at her, her expression softening. "I actually understand," she murmured. "He was speaking the truth."
Willow sighed, guilt tugging at her chest. "It doesn't have to be the truth,"
Indigo's eyes widened slightly before she broke into a warm, grateful smile. Then, to Willow's surprise, she threw her arms around her in a tight hug.
"Thank you," Indigo whispered.
Willow returned the embrace with a small, genuine smile. "Thank you."
When they finally pulled apart, they settled under one of the nearby trees. For a moment, the calm breeze and quiet chatter of the lawn made everything feel almost normal.
But then Willow's gaze shifted and her brow furrowed.
