Don't have an account yet? 
Forum Thread
When the Stars Fell
Forum-Index → Roleplay → When the Stars Fell
Posted: Sat, 09/10/2021 22:33 (3 Years ago)
♈ Aries ♉ Taurus ♊ Gemini ♋ Cancer ♌ Leo ♍ Virgo ♎ Libra ♏ Scorpio ⛎ Ophiuchus ♐ Sagittarius ♑ Capricorn ♒ Aquarius ♓ Pisces
~ Sunday, September 1st | 10:00 AM | Autumn | Clear Skies ~
The Silver Monarch University (SMU): a prestigious boarding institute open for all, but known mainly for its specialized courses for the gifted and talented. Throughout the year, the Governors of SMU spend a lot of resources on scouting other institutes for potential talent, offering many young people the chance to study at its own advanced facilities on a 2-year placement. However, because the entrance exams are considerably tough, only roughly 100 students gain a spot in these courses each year. Despite this, it is not uncommon to run into students who are only here due to their families' wealth and reputation. So whilst this means classes are usually on the smaller side, it also allows students to have more 1-on-1 time with tutors if necessary.
That being said, you'd gained your placement with ease, and before you knew it, enrollment day had arrived. Between the fresh-faced first-years who have arrived on campus for the first time and the returning second-years... Admittedly, the first day was always the most chaotic as students queued in the front courtyard, waiting to receive their enrollment packages containing their prospectus, schedules, dormitory info, etc. Fortunately, everyone was usually dispersed within a couple of hours, being encouraged to mingle with others as they're left to explore the campus for themselves. The day would later be concluded with a formal dinner party in the main auditorium, the invitation slipped in between the several other leaflets in the package. Although optional, it would be a final chance to get to know some people before the stress of classes officially kicks in.
♎ 𝐀𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 '𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲' 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲 ♎
The Vamps - Can We Dance
1:07 ──♡───── 3:58
"I talk a lot of ---- when I'm drinking, baby; I'm known to go a little too fast-
Don't mind all my friends, I know they're all crazy; But they're the only friends that I have
I know I don't know you, But I'd like to skip the small talk and romance, girl
That's all I have to say so, baby, can we dance?"
A delicate melody, plucked by nimble fingers against the steel strings of a guitar, sounded across the campus car park.
Tucked away in the most distant corner of the lot, a dirt-clad pick-up truck sits parked under an elm tree, leaves of copper and gold littering the ground around it as they fell. The luggage cases, which had been previously strapped into the bed for the journey, had now been moved aside and replaced with a group of bodies, whose style many would probably describe as 'punk'. Three sat in the bed of the truck, passing around a cigarette between them, whilst a fourth had perched herself on top of the roof panel, cross-legged, effortlessly strumming away on the glossy black electric-acoustic guitar in her hands. However, the music comes to a sudden halt as the remnants of the cigarette is offered up towards her.
"Wanna drag?" the male asks, to which she shakes her head, causing the faux blue locks to fall free from behind her ear.
"You know I don't smoke," she replies bluntly.
"Anymore. You don't smoke, anymore. But I've known you for years, Alyssia-"
"Only since high school." A swift correction.
He huffs and Alyssia rolls her eyes, shifting in her seat slightly to slide the instrument back into the case beside her, "I know you'll pack your schedule full - as you always do - and then burn out by the end of the week-"
"Oh, stop it!" barks the girl sat cosy in his lap, lightly punching him in the shoulder, "Ally's a smarty-pants. Unlike us, at least she gets her stuff done. Oh-! Did I hear right? This is your second year in the Stella House?"
"Oi! What's that supposed to mean? "Unlike us"?" the second male pipes up, seemingly offended at the comment.
"It simply means I've got a couple more brain cells than you and have been deemed worthy enough to have the luxury of not having to share a room with sweaty, hormonal idiots. But I'm pretty certain that's how you prefer it. Am I right, Tooty-Fruity?" A sudden burst of laughter erupts from the four, more specifically three of the four, the other turning a vivid shade of red as he stammers for a comeback. Within seconds, Alyssia has slid off of the roof of the truck, lips just centimetres away from his ear as she whispers, "I'll be sure to send any pretty boys your way if I happen to meet any, okay?"
Alyssia hops off of the bed of the truck, her guitar case now secured across her back, and begins seeking out her luggage. She takes the handle of one of the larger suitcases in one hand and picks up a second instrument case in the other.
"You're leaving us now?" the female pouts, "We've literally only just got here."
"Afraid so. Like we've just discussed, my schedule is already fully booked. I mean: I have to get through all of that without dying," Alyssia explains, gesturing to the sea of students making their way, presumably, to the front courtyard to pick up their enrollment things, "And then my luggage isn't going to carry itself to the other side of the campus - probably the only downside to the Stella House: how far it is away from everything. And then I have to head over to the music building because I'm playing with the orchestra during the beginning of the party, and I, uh, really need to practice."
"The orchestra! She's too fancy to hang out with us now!" the first male laughs, a cloud of smoke escaping his chapped lips, "You'll, at least, treat us to drinks later Ally?"
Although the smirk on her face said otherwise, she tilts her head in a confused manner, "Hm? I didn't quite catch that, sorry. You want a job? I can ask my manager for you when I'm next on shift. Then you'd have actual money to spend on, y'know, useful things and, if you're feeling generous, treat us instead."
Little more was exchanged before Ally made her getaway, being sure to wave goodbye (or as best as she could with full hands) as she did. Sure, they could be idiots, but she loved them all - quite possibly her only friends. Each one came with their flaws, as did she; but, somehow, it just seemed to work out. Making her way to the courtyard, she cautiously weaves her way through a bunch of loitering students, being mindful not to tread or bump into anyone or anything that could potentially damage her instruments. That'd be the last thing she needed. But, one more year. That's all she'd have to endure and then she'd be free to do... Well, that, Ally actually hadn't planned that far ahead yet.
Though if there was one thing she did know for certain, it was that she had been craving something sugary for a while now. She made a mental note to make a pit stop at that on-site tuck shop and browse the snacks. Surely they'd have something with enough substance to fuel her until the evening party.
Posted: Sat, 09/10/2021 23:06 (3 Years ago)
"Man, the first day at any new place sucks the most." She mutters to herself, still messing with her phone
"you were too correct"
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 00:04 (3 Years ago)
She'd had no friends to make the journey with. She'd simply not bothered to let them distract her. Her few close friends had failed to make it in last year, so she communicated through text and occasional hangouts. None of them were here now, so she didn't feel the need to distract herself with the chatter that surrounded her as the students pushed through.
It felt good to be at her second year at such a prestigious facility. It fed into her ego that she could look at such a place and say 'been there, done that'. Of course, no one would know that she was looking down her nose at them. That was an advantage of being 'the quiet kid'; that, and being taller than most of them.
Upon reaching the yard, she found her own little corner and leaned against a tree, sighing as she now poured all her focus into the screen. Sure, she could be getting to know people, but that wasn't really what she had come here to do. She was here to get an education, and have fun with her chosen courses. Her plans had no room for forcing herself into unwanted social situations. She completely zoned out, all apart from a subconscious feeling of the earth for the students around her.
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 00:58 (3 Years ago)
『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”
Soleil stepped out the limousine. She wouldn't mind, and would have enjoyed, walking to school instead of creating a first impression of some rich girl showing off her wealth. However, her father immediately disposed of the idea the minute she suggested it and here she was. She could already feel the eyes of people staring at her.
Then, again, this was supposed to be a prestigious school. She can't be the only one, right?
She tried to ignore as her father ranted out a couple of things, which probably included her manners, her attitude and about why she shouldn't mess up his reputation. She simple sighed and waved goodbye as she started to inch away from the sleek, black car.
"Solar!" she heard her father call out. She turned around, a little annoyed that he called her by her playful nickname in front of a crowd.
"Yes?" she asked. The old man gave her a thumbs up and a confident smile.
"Do your best," he said. This was how he always said farewell. Soleil smiled.
He annoyed her, but he was her caring father after all.
She joined the crowd of students and looked around. She was hoping to make some friends here. She had a whole group of one in her old school, but they had ventured off in search of their own adventures. Being her curious self, she decided to walk around, staying close to the crowd so she wouldn't get lost.
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 02:51 (3 Years ago)
While the start of the school year was chaotic for most, Alaparos found it almost therapeutic. Squirled away at the top of Stella House, he quietly rolled himself forward to clean at the multiple awnings and craneys that littered the dormitory. His specialized tools from the previous year were still where he left them, specially cut down to fit his needs. They had been a welcoming gift from a senior who had already graduated and Alaparos treasured them greatly. The dormitories have accumulated a lot of dust over the break and Alaparos was determined to restore it to it's shimmering glory and keep it clean. Perhaps a nice warm meal prepared for the incoming first years as well, a welcome gift to keep them happy and full. A feast of homely foods and overflowing tables would be a nice surprise though might be a bit unneeded given the welcoming dinner later in the day, he thinks as the windows were meticulously wiped clean of accumulated grime. He had been at it for a few hours now, having started working from the moment he arrived. The dorm held memories that he treasured, memories of a place that he could find comfort in. Cracking out the newly cleaned windows to let in the cool breeze, Alaparos lifted himself out of his wheelchair to peer out into the courtyard. Students were still milling around, faceless bodies from his perspective as he watched strangers move about. It was a pleasant view until his legs screamed in protest and his knees buckled, nearly cracking his chin on the windowsill on the way down. More than a little dazed, Alaparos let out a dry chuckle before dragging his prone body back onto the chair and wheeling himself off towards the door instead to air out the cushions. Socializing wasn't his thing, not really. Whoever came to him would come and he would leave it up to fate to lead him to those who he would meet.
Perhaps it was wishful thinking but when Apalaros finished cleaning up the dorm rooms, no one had come in yet. He would have liked to talk to someone during the process but he supposed that since he had arrived fairly early, most people were still out in the yard talking with others. Well no matter, it would give him time to roll down to the kitchens. Perhaps some classic cookies would be a good welcome treat, not too heavy that it would spoil one's appetite for dinner yet sweet and small, something that would make people feel welcome. Of course, he couldn't prepare any milk, that would be easily spoiled but he could work within limitations. Now the real question was what types of cookies to bake. With a smile, Alaparos rolled himself down the empty hallways, the creak of his wheels the only sound echoing within the cold space.
Clutching their bag close to their chest, Song BingLiu squeezed past throngs of people, keeping to themself. His shoulders were hunched, nearly folded in half with how he was hiding himself. One hand was always kept free, constantly signing apologies as he bumped into other new and returning students, lips thin and sealed even when pushed around. With the amount of people milling about, it was difficult to find a space for himself, Song BingLiu resigned himself to simply shuffling towards the dorms where hopefully there would be less students. But of course he had never been really lucky and in dodging a large group of laughing and tittering student, he instead crashed into a red haired girl, sending her phone clattering out of her hand and onto the ground. Immediately, he froze with his mouth hanging open in horror. That was absolutely the worst way to make an impression on someone and he quickly scrambled to pick up the girl's phone. He could only hope that his slightly watering eyes and offering of the fallen device back would be enough to covey the depth of his regret at running into her. After all, if he spoke out loud, his accepted apology might not be genuine at all.
•°. * иσвℓє ρυяρℓє * .°•
•°. * тнє вєαт σf ℓανєи∂єя є¢нσєѕ σи, ι'м иσт α ωιт¢н σя αиутнιиg * .°•
•°. * яє∂ αи∂ gяєєи тяυℓу gσ ωєℓℓ тσgєтнєя * .°•
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 04:58 (3 Years ago)
『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”
Apparently, the courtyard wasn't of much interest to Soleil, so she decided to merge with the crowd.
She thought, 'if you don't make the first move, you'll never make a new friend'
A commotion to Soleil's right made her turn. She saw a boy, with slightly wet eyes, holding out a phone towards another student. Soleil looked at the small group.
She could already tell what position the boy was in. High chances were that he accidentally bumped into her, something Soleil had done so many times to know how embarrassing it felt. Especially on the first day. She figured he was also new to the school since she observed that most of the second-years carried less to almost no stuff compared to the first years and he had a lot of bags in his hands.
She thought about helping him. Should she? By the looks on his face, it might take a while for him to mumble out an apology but she knew it was rude to just butt in.
Then she remembered. Yes, 'rude' was one thing that was carved into her that she wouldn't ever rid of. She didn't mind getting called at, helping was more important.
She had started to approach the group but stopped midway. The two opposing sides of her, the mature, logical side and the childish, reckless side. Were nagging at each other and Soleil only stood there, a step away, rethinking her choices.
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 06:49 (3 Years ago)
"I reached safely yes..I'm making my way to the dormitory..mhm..yes.. I know, I know."
A long pause followed, he stared down at the grass as he rubbed his heel against the overgrown weeds. He tilted his head to the side, closing his eyes as he finally decided to end the tension.
"You know I won't play around, can't you trust me? I will call later."
After putting his phone back, he took a moment to clear his thoughts. He looked up, repressing a scream of exhaustion.
"The term hasn't even started and I'm exhausted..how sour.."
He made his way back to the dorms, scrolling through his gallery and feeling much better after seeing the photos of the plushies he'd made as a sort of hobby.
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 14:44 (3 Years ago)
"you were too correct"
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 16:18 (3 Years ago)
He rests his head against the ledge, playing with a few strands of overgrown hair unconsciously. He felt a sort of dread, not wanting to enter his room as of yet. Maybe something interesting was bound to happen?
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 18:02 (3 Years ago)
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 18:13 (3 Years ago)
I need to charge my phone...aren't I supposed to be heading to my dorm anyway? Regan thought, glancing in the direction of the building. With a tap of the off button, she swiftly slipped her phone into her pocket and reached for her bags, containing the essentials, as well as her phone charger. She stretched out her legs and stood up, slinging her backpack over one shoulder. Perhaps she should meet her dormmates. She's be spending the year with them, after all.
She groaned upon realizing her dorm rested on the other side of the campus. The luggage was heavy, weighing on her back and right arm. At least it would be a relief to get this stuff off of her. Then she could get around much easier without her luggage getting caught on everything. Case in point, why were there so many students? Wasn't this meant to be a small school?
Posted: Sun, 10/10/2021 23:57 (3 Years ago)
♎ 𝐀𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 '𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲' 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲 ♎
The Vamps - Can We Dance
1:07 ──♡───── 3:58
"I talk a lot of ---- when I'm drinking, baby; I'm known to go a little too fast-
Don't mind all my friends, I know they're all crazy; But they're the only friends that I have
I know I don't know you, But I'd like to skip the small talk and romance, girl
That's all I have to say so, baby, can we dance?"
Having made it through the queue fairly quick - due to her 'intimidating' looks, people generally moved out of her way without any hesitation upon seeing her coming - Alyssia was now making the trek towards the Stella House with her enrollment package clutched between her teeth. It was a journey she'd made several times already in her previous year and was sure she could probably do it blindfolded by now. Why it had to be so far away from everything, Ally still wasn't completely sure. However, if it could be considered any kind of compensation, that area of campus was generally the quietest and prettiest, and the constant back-and-forth for classes sure saved spending money on a gym membership.
It wasn't long before the dormitory eventually came into view. Advancing still, she attempted to juggle her baggage into one hand, whilst the other dug around in her pockets in hopes of finding the keycard that'd allow her entry into the building. Not only did the keycards allow students access to their designated dormitory blocks, but they were also the students' IDs: a small passport-style image on one corner, whilst personal details were written on the other. Alyssia often tried her best to avoid even the slightest at hers and kept it hidden from others. The photo: first-year Alyssia, except her hair back then, dyed a hot-pink mess with her natural brunette roots peeping through. It probably wasn't even 24-hours after seeing that particular photo developed, permanently printed to the card, that Alyssia dyed her hair again. Since then, she'd long lost count of how many different colours her hair had been assaulted with.
Alyssia sighs in relief as she finally arrives, swiping her card on the little device beside the door, which does a little beep as it approves the ID and unlocks the door. She nudges the door open with her foot, whilst carefully dragging her things inside behind her. It's a tad quiet inside, so she assumes she's either the first or one of the first to arrive. But, just in case, she decides to give a friendly announcement of her arrival.
"Good morning!"
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 00:28 (3 Years ago)
It was supposed to be a simple trip down to the kitchens but of course there would be more people coming into the main building to look for their dorms. Gently easing the heavy door to Stella House close behind him, Alaparos ignored the curious gazes that followed him down the corridor, the heavy gazes something he had grown used to. He didn't mind it all that much but it was certainly disheartening to see others underestimating and putting him down because of his mobility needs. A few students even asked if he needed assistance and those, while coming from a good place, irked him to no end. On his way down, he thought he saw a familiar face but quickly discarded the idea. Alyssa didn't have vibrant blue hair. Or well, she could if she still dyed her hair as frequently as he remembered, but it didn't really matter. The blue haired girl was heading towards the dorms anyways so if it was indeed Alyssa then they would be meeting again soon enough. But it seemed that fate would happily throw Alaparos into another social situation for down the hall, slumped against a window sill, was yet another familiar face. For a moment, he wondered what Meka was doing before dismissing that thought. what others did was none of his business. Instead he simply rolled up to Meka, sympathetically leaning against the ledge as well. "Rough first day?" He ventured
When the girl still didn't move, Song BingLiu began to fidget nervously wondering if she expected them to say anything. Did she expect him to verbally apologize? Was she looking to humiliate him just by watching him hold her phone out? He really didn't know and frankly was a bit terrified of the answer. Looking around frantically, he caught the eye of a long black haired student looking on. Trembling, Song BingLiu hoped frantically that his wide eyed terrified gaze would adequately broadcast the sheer amount of "PLEASE HELP ME FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING GOOD AND HOLY I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IM SUPPOSED TO DO" energy that he was feeling. Someone please help, he was much too terrified of the frozen unimpressed stare leveled towards him by the red haired girl. Even if his hands were free, Song BingLiu didn't know if he could even sign an apology legibly with the amount of shaking that he was doing.
•°. * иσвℓє ρυяρℓє * .°•
•°. * тнє вєαт σf ℓανєи∂єя є¢нσєѕ σи, ι'м иσт α ωιт¢н σя αиутнιиg * .°•
•°. * яє∂ αи∂ gяєєи тяυℓу gσ ωєℓℓ тσgєтнєя * .°•
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 00:47 (3 Years ago)
『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”
Soleil made eye contact with the boy and was undeniably worried that he might end up getting a panic attack. So, against her mature will, she finally closed that last step and stood right beside him.
Then, she felt herself panic about what she should say. She scratched her head awkwardly.
'This is what happens you idiot,' one side of her fumed.
'It was better than nothing. He looked like he wanted help' the other part argued.
'Whatever you're on your own' was the final answer before her mind went blank.
"Ehe... sorry for bumping in but looks like something's going on here," she said with a nervous chuckle. "Oh! How about some sweets to cheer you both up!" she beamed as she rummaged her bag for the whole packet of sweets, which she had stole from the kitchen before she left, and outstretched it for the two to grab. "Also, I think he's really sorry for dropping your phone, if I assumed that's what happened," she added, though it was really faint it was close to a mumble as she was unsure of what exactly happened.
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 01:31 (3 Years ago)
'A release from home yet not quite a release, I thought.'
He smiles, in an amused way as he greeted his classmate after. Perhaps he noticed that most were not up for interaction, especially on the first day of all days. Or was Alaparos looking forward to the first day? Meka underwent a quick cycle of overthinking, as if time had stopped just for him, until he eventually gave up and went with what he wanted to say.
'I assume you have already cleaned every corner of the house?'
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 01:59 (3 Years ago)
"you were too correct"
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 02:00 (3 Years ago)
Yanking her luggage around the halls, the darkly-dressed girl, made her way, at last, to the dorm building. Using her keycard to get in, she glanced up for a moment. It seemed students who had already met were already having small talk. She swiftly avoided them, at least for now. She needed to unload her weight first. Perhaps her dorm number or whatever would be on the keycard? She looked down at it, letting her book bag slip just to lean against the wall for a moment, scrutinizing it. She didn't want anyone to bump into her. That would be irritating.
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 03:07 (3 Years ago)
His laugh was slightly sheepish as Alaparos unabashedly did a once over of Meka's appearance. "You know me. I did the best I could." He said understandingly. From what he could tell, Meka had been staying relatively healthy over the break though he would probably get a clearer idea over the next week or so. His yearmates were His and it was his duty to keep them well fed and healthy. The thought of having new dorm mates to also take under his proverbial wing was an exciting one as well. He couldn't wait to meet them and it was visible in the easy yet genuine smile that settled softly on his face. But first would come the pampering of his current wards.
"I was just going down to the student kitchens to bake some cookies. They should be empty at the moment so it would be a quiet place to just do our own thing or even catch up." He offered, vuagely remembering that Meka always seemed to appreciate the cuter designs he would pipe onto sweets. He wasn't too sure about that though, having only caught split second expressions that seemed to connote it, so his questioning tone was genuine.
The moment Soliel stepped in, Song BingLiu's face seemed to crumple into relief, nodding along frantically to what his savior was saying. The moment the phone was taken back and Lyra's true personality coming to light though seemed to be the breaking point however, and his whole face cleared into a beaming smile. His hands moved quickly to sign, apologies and an explanation spelled out with dexterous slender fingers. But even with his signing, he knew that they wouldn't understand a word of what he just said and nervously opened his mouth. "Apologies. I'm Song BingLiu. Pleasure to meet you." His melodious voice hummed, short phrases enough to draw the two's attention to him. He didn't dare say more in fear that they may actually be compelled to become his friends, a disingenuous relationship built on a talent even Song BingLiu didn't quite understand. But he did want to befriend the two as they didn't seem to mind the fact that he didn't talk very much. He loathed to remember the instances where he had been wrong but he liked to give others the benefit of the doubt. Turning expectantly towards Soliel, his sparkling eyes spoke for itself in his desire to at least learn her name.
•°. * иσвℓє ρυяρℓє * .°•
•°. * тнє вєαт σf ℓανєи∂єя є¢нσєѕ σи, ι'м иσт α ωιт¢н σя αиутнιиg * .°•
•°. * яє∂ αи∂ gяєєи тяυℓу gσ ωєℓℓ тσgєтнєя * .°•
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 03:29 (3 Years ago)
Meka turned toward his mate, remembering just how reliable he was. He'd always admired how the hard working Alaparos went around the house to seemingly finish almost all house chores without any of the others in the house having to raise a finger. It made him feel guilty how he worked so efficiently, and would even come to doubts about his own home making skills. They were almost negligent for sure, but he was a good assistant atleast and even liked keeping his surroundings clean. Meka had utmost respect for him, and dared to say he even looked up to him - something that was quite rare for him to do, he admitted.
'You're amazing, I don't think life here would go as smoothly if you weren't around.'
Meka blushed lightly, having felt embarrassed over his own compliment. Chuckling softly, he looked at the other with the enthusiasm of a pup. Visibly excited over the idea of having food from Alaparos once more, he felt some bit of his energy replenished. More exciting creations by Alaparos? Definitely in!
'Amazing! Can I help? I'm very good at following orders, you know?'
Posted: Mon, 11/10/2021 03:32 (3 Years ago)
『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”
Soleil wondered why he was using sign language, but his voice seemed to explain everything. She loved hearing it, though, it reminded her of her mother’s lullaby.
“Soleil, nice to meet you two!” she beamed happily, glad she might be able to befriend these two. “And you can use sign language, if you’d rather, I can read,” she told Song BingLiu. “But I really like your voice,” she hurriedly complimented, hoping he didn’t take that the wrong way.
“Maybe we should go take the packages there, I’m dying to see the dorms,” she suggested pointing at a table in the distance, covered in ribbons and such. Really, she could only make out the banner among the flood of people. It might be a little hard to squeeze their way too, especially for Song Bingliu with all the bags he was holding.
“Need a hand with that?” she asked, hoping to help since she wasn’t carrying much.