Sophia shrugged off her puffy jacket, revealing a pale blue shirt underneath. She looked utterly exhausted as she complained, "I guess I'm just not used to the water here or something!"

Jasmine retorted, her voice laced with mock severity, "That's asking for a smack! Complaining about not being used to the water back home? I ought to send you off to the Midwest to chill in the cold wind!" Sophia immediately leaned closer to Mrs. Gilder, seeking refuge, "Look at her, always so mean to me. How could I possibly feel good?"

Jasmine turned away, refusing to engage further.

Mrs. Gilder couldn't help but laugh, pulling Sophia into a hug, "Then you should just move in with us, away from her glares."

"Who's moving in with us?"

A voice floated down from the stairs. Sophia looked up to see Jason, wearing a crisp white shirt, his eyes widening slightly behind his glasses as he noticed Sophia cuddling up to his mom. Jason was visibly surprised, the sight of Sophia seeking comfort from his mother stirring something in him.

Sophia quickly sat up, equally surprised, "When did you get back?"

Jason didn't answer right away. Instead, he greeted Jasmine first, "Hey, Zoe!"

"Jason!" Jasmine looked at him with affection.

you make meatloaf? I could smell it the moment I walked in. Mom's been talking

no choice but to make it." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ

Everyone burst into laughter.

on Mrs. Gilder's shoulder, Sophia chuckled softly, "Gina, have you noticed? You and I get along so well, and Jason gets along so well with my mom. It's like we got switched at

at Sophia calmly, "No need to swap. If you like my mom

move in. It'll

a hint of bitterness in her

way out, "I need to run some errands, want to come

too cold, I don't

under the blankets

reaching to tug at her ear, "Go out with Jason, stop

Sophia protested, covering her

him

when Mrs. Gilder beat to it, hugging Sophia, "Don't tugon my Sophia's ear. It hurts me just looking

Jasmine let go, Jason

go. Might as well have stayed in

if

exasperated look, their playful demeanor making

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