A text buzzed from Val. "Poppy's awake. Meet me at the hospital?" * * * Arlo's breath made slight clouds in the air, and he looked up at the grey sky, his eyes thoughtful.
He replied quickly. "You got it. When?" *** Callie walked along the trail, her eyes on the floor as she sighed into scarf.
Landon went to leave, quickly heading out the door with his coat. *** She nodded. "Yeah sorry," she mumbled. "Still a little sick."
(Time skip?) * * * He tilted his head. "I'm actually glad you're here," he said kindly. "I know a soup stand not far from here. Come with me? I'll pay. I have something to talk to you about."
Val pulled off her helmet as she turned off her bike, blowing into her hands to keep them warm. * * * "Nah, my treat," he said, starting to walk. "But it's about my students at the school."
Landon was 5 minutes away, deciding to walk the last distance. *** She cocked her head, following. "What about them?"
Val slipped off her motorcycle and sat on the steps of the hospital, waiting for him. * * * He frowned. "This morning," he began, "I had six children come to school without coats. In the snow."
"Hi," she said, teeth chattering slightly. "Ready to go in?" * * * Arlo shook his head. "I don't think so. It's been going on for a while now."
He nodded, heading for the entrance. "Yep." *** "Hmm," she murmured, before smiling into her scarf playfully. "If only someone could do something."
She followed him, breathing into her hands. "It's so cold. Jesus." * * * "Hm. I was hoping you'd say that."
"No," she said immediately, shaking her head. "Thanks though. Let's just get inside." * * * "Kids? Six."
They stepped inside, and Val's cheeks were rosy, even though she was still shaking. "Let's hurry," she chattered. "Come on." * * * "I'd pay you, and everything. I just want to get them coats that might be able to double as spring coats when the weather gets warmer, you know? Those winter jackets aren't really built for when it gets warmer."
He nodded, his eyebrows furrowing. "Okay." *** "Like a sweater?" she asked. "You don't have to pay me. It's okay."
