The car rolled to a stop inside the manor's courtyard. Hazel pushed the door open and stepped out slowly, closing it gently behind her.
The moment she crossed the threshold of the manor, Evelina hurried toward her.
Her eyes widened, full of worry, the instant she saw Hazel's red, swollen and puffy face.
"Good evening, ma'am—" Hazel started but Evelina let out a sharp gasp and cut her off.
"What happened to your face, child? You've been crying. Did someone bully you at school?" she asked, shocked.
Hazel's throat tightened. Seeing Evelina's concern made the tears she had been desperately holding back spill over again.
"I just... want to go upstairs. I'm tired," she whispered, voice trembling.
Evelina nodded gently. "Alright, sweetheart."
She turned to Sandra. "Please prepare a warm bath for her. I'll go make dinner."
Sandra nodded her head and followed Hazel up the stairs, while Evelina sighed and headed toward the kitchen.
