What a doleful existence it must be to be detested by one's own relations! She could not help but cast a sad, pitiful look at the older girl even despite their difference in age.

"What a sorrowful tale," she agreed, taking in and releasing a deep breath that caused her shoulders to rise. "I've exchanged correspondence with one of my cousins and one of my friends. Both are my age and presumably horrified by the prospect of a cancelled school year!"

---