The air felt strange around me, thin and drafty in a way that made my skin prickle. I rubbed my arms slowly, trying to calm the faint shiver running through me. I could not tell if it was the room or if it was just me, but everything felt a little too bright and a little too quiet.
"Did you approve of this?" a familiar voice asked.
"Huh?" I blinked and dragged myself back into the moment. "Sorry… what was the last thing you said?"
Walter studied me for a second, concern softening his expression. "Are you okay, Star? You have been spacing out since you got here. Is everything alright at home?"
"Yes," I answered automatically. "Yes, I'm fine." I repeated myself too quickly. "I'm just cold."
"Star, the ACs aren't working," he said gently. "It is boiling in here."
"Oh." I lowered my gaze to my hands. "Now that you said that… it's not as cold as I thought."
He sighed, not in irritation. I could tell the difference.
