Sol, flustered by the accident, admitted, "I'm really fine. This is a bit embarrassing."
Aiden, ever the caretaker, cautioned, "Don't try to pick them up, you'll hurt yourself."
Resolute, Sol attempted to push the glass shards aside, but Aiden intervened, holding her hand with a frown of concern.
Aiden's voice was gentle yet firm, "I told you not to touch it. You'll hurt yourself. I'll put them to the side."
Concern etched on her features, Hazel protested, "No...! What if you hurt yourself, too?"
Aiden's assurance was unwavering, "Nah, don't worry. You know I'm the healthiest one in the house. I'm just going to put them to the side."
Recalling a past memory, Hazel interjected, "Don't you remember our first day? Asher hurt himself trying to help me."
Asher, bemused by the sudden reference, questioned, "What does that gotta do with anything?"
Aiden, with a hint of amusement, added, "Right! Why! Just keep worrying about me!"
Hazel's concern for their well-being was evident as she insisted, "I just don't want you to hurt yourself. I'll ask someone to clean it." In the midst of mishaps and shared moments, a sense of camaraderie and care bound them together, a silent promise of support and understanding in the face of unexpected challenges.
Aiden, ever the protector, took charge, "Oh, no. I'll go. I'll ask for an emergency kit if they have one, Sol cut herself." The urgency in his voice spurred them into action, and they all rose in unison, heading towards the counter.
As they made their way, Aiden's voice held a hint of resolve, "I'm going to have to be more reckless from now on."
Perplexed, Hazel questioned, "Huh? What do you mean?"
Aiden's response was filled with a rare vulnerability, "I like how you care about me."
Surprised by his admission, Hazel probed, "What? You like that?"
Aiden's eyes softened, "I do. More so on a day like this."
Hazel, with a hint of concern, countered, "...I'd rather we have fun without you getting hurt."
Aiden's smile was tinged with warmth, "Okay, if you think so." The unspoken bond between them shimmered in the air, a silent acknowledgment of their shared moments and unspoken feelings.
Hazel's gaze softened as she observed him, "Did you cut yourself? Are you really okay?"
Sol, ever resilient, reassured, "Yes, it's nothing. I get this when I'm carrying boxes and stuff, too."
Aiden, the caretaker, emphasized, "If you're hurt, you're hurt. Be careful!"
Sol nodded in acknowledgment, "...Okay."
With practiced ease, Aiden tended to Sol's injury, his familiarity with the task evident. As he applied the medicine and bandage, Sol's face lit up, their easy banter filling the space. The unspoken understanding between them hinted at a deeper connection, a bond forged through shared moments and quiet gestures.
Asher, ever the observer, teased, "You were usually the one being clumsy."
Hazel, with a hint of mischief, quipped, "Oh. Maybe I should've broken something, too?" The light-hearted banter and shared laughter filled the space, a moment of camaraderie and connection amidst the gentle chaos of the night.
Asher's voice, tinged with relief, cut through the air, "What are you... That's not what I mean. I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself." His words held a depth of emotion that lingered in the space between them.
As Aiden and Sol engaged in conversation, Asher drew closer to Hazel, his presence a comforting anchor in the gentle chaos of the night.
"I like this, just the two of us. 4 is a bit too much. It's fun, but hard to concentrate on anyone," Asher remarked, his words carrying a sense of intimacy and understanding. In the quiet of the moment, Hazel found solace in his presence, a shared moment that resonated deeply within her.
As they returned home, the weariness of the night settled upon Hazel, a sense of calm washing over her. The perfume she had crafted with care held a special significance, a token of her unspoken feelings and desires.
In the guys' room, Aiden's keen observation caught Hazel off guard, "You have something to give me. Right?" His knowing gaze sparked a flicker of anticipation within her.
Hazel's response was playful, "You're suddenly keen."
Aiden's confidence was unwavering, "I knew it was mine right away. I smelled it, and it totally belonged to me."
Surprised by his perceptiveness, Hazel questioned, "How did you know that? I tried not to make it obvious."
Aiden's smile was knowing, "I can feel it. Because I can read your mind!"
In a moment of shared understanding, Hazel relented, "Okay, fine. Yes, you do!" The unspoken bond between them shimmered in the air, a silent acknowledgment of their shared moments and unspoken desires.
As Aiden sprayed the perfume on his wrist, a relaxing scent filled the room, a tangible reminder of their connection and the unspoken bond that bound them together.
Aiden's voice was filled with appreciation, "This is nice. Perfect for me." In the quiet of the room, the fragrance of the perfume mingled with the whispers of their shared moments, a silent promise of understanding and connection that transcended words.
In the quiet intimacy of the moment, Aiden's approach was filled with a sense of satisfaction. The gentle brush of his nose against her hair sent a shiver down Hazel's spine, a silent gesture that spoke volumes.
"I think you still smell like it," Aiden remarked, his voice soft and tinged with warmth.
Hazel, caught off guard by his proximity, questioned, "How can it still..."
Aiden's grin was infectious as he handed her a small package, "You think? Anyway. Thank you for this. And this is for you."
Curious, Hazel inquired, "What is this?"
Aiden's answer was filled with sincerity, "I made it. Use it well, because I made it for you. Okay?"
The flutter of her heart echoed in the quiet of the room, the unspoken emotions swirling between them. The scent of the perfume lingered in the air, a tangible reminder of their shared moments and unspoken desires.
In the Girls' Room, the evening's events played out in hushed whispers and shared confessions.
Hazel reflected, "Today was... pretty eventful."
Lina, ever observant, remarked, "I think your perfume smells better. Don't tell Jake, okay?"
Sol, with a hint of humor, teased, "Really? Should I change my profession...? Oh, Lina, what's that on your knee? Are you hurt?" The evening unfolded in a symphony of shared moments and unspoken confessions, the fragrance of the perfume mingling with the whispers of their shared desires and unspoken connections.
Lina's voice, filled with amusement, carried through the room, "Oh, this? I fell down, it was ridiculous. Glen didn't know how to skate! So cute, right? So I tried to teach him, and we fell together-"
As the evening progressed, Hazel contemplated reaching out to Aiden, a sense of gratitude and closeness settling within her.
"Thank you for being direct with me. I appreciate it more, now that we're getting close to the end," Hazel expressed, her words carrying a weight of sincerity and unspoken emotions.
An unknown message appeared, stirring a sense of curiosity and introspection within her.
"I think more about you. If I've showed all my feelings or not," the message read, prompting a moment of reflection and contemplation.
The Luv Alert question for the day sparked a wave of memories and emotions, inviting each person to delve into their most deeply ingrained memory.
Courtney reminisced, "I have to pick our first encounter, a cup of tea and a conversation with that person."
Jake shared, "Car pool. I don't usually enjoy rides with a stranger, but I got to like it more here."
Sol reflected, "When I got to meet the person at the shop unexpectedly."
Glen's memory was a mix of embarrassment and joy, "The day I made porridge. It was embarrassing but enjoyable at the same time."
Asher's memory touched on a moment of worry and care, "When we went to the emergency room, I was so worried."
Aiden's memory was filled with warmth and connection, "When we got to share our daily lives together!"
Lina's memory revolved around the joy of giving and receiving, "Gifting something and receiving something. Never knew picking out a gift could be so fun!"
Hazel's memory, shared with a sense of fondness, was simple yet profound, "When I met their family!" Each memory held a piece of their hearts, a moment frozen in time that shaped their connections and bonds.
Courtney's voice, tinged with concern, cut through the room, "Lina, is your knee okay? Shouldn't you treat it?"
Lina's response was nonchalant, "I'll put a bandage on downstairs. Hmm? What's this?"
Sol's curiosity was piqued, "Why? What did you find?"
Lina's discovery sparked a wave of excitement, "There's a card. I think this is it. Our last date?"
As Lina returned with the card in hand, the room fell silent, the anticipation palpable. Four cards lay before them, each bearing a different city name.
Hazel's voice broke the quietude, "...We just choose one without knowing who's coming, right?"
Courtney, ever the strategist, suggested, "I think they gave us a hint. Let's see."
The prospect of the last date loomed before them, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling in the air. The mystery of who their companion would be added a layer of intrigue to the moment.
As they contemplated their choices, Hazel's thoughts drifted to the person she wished to share this final date with, a silent hope lingering in her heart.
The room buzzed with anticipation and excitement, each person pondering the possibilities that lay ahead. The unknown and the unexpected added a sense of thrill to the moment, a reminder of the bonds and connections that had been forged throughout their journey.
The air crackled with anticipation as the four friends stood before the imposing wooden door.  Instead of names, four city names in bold, Korean script adorned the cards: Jeonju, Gunsan, Chuncheon, Busan.
"I think I know which one's which," Courtney declared, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Lina, ever the skeptic, countered, "Really? Why can't I tell? I can guess a couple, but I'm not sure."
Sol, ever the observant one, piped up, "I think Gunsan is Aiden for sure."
Hazel, the quietest of the group, simply nodded in agreement. "I think we all know that."
Courtney continued, "Jeonju sounds like Glen, Chuncheon is Asher, I think?"
Lina, catching on, exclaimed, "Then Busan is Jake? It sounds like him all right!"
Hazel, a smile finally gracing her lips, added, "You guys are right! I think I can hear their voices."
The weight of their decision settled upon them.  They had to choose a card, a destination, a friend.  A game of rock, paper, scissors decided the order, and Hazel, the winner, was left with the daunting task of choosing.
"So, where should I go?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
The door creaked open, revealing a narrow, cobblestone path leading into a bustling village.  The air was thick with the scent of street food and laughter.  A train track ran right down the middle of the road, its rusty rails gleaming in the afternoon sun.
"Wow. So there actually is just a railway on the road," Hazel breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.
Aiden, his face lit up with a mischievous grin, emerged from a nearby shop. "You've never been here before?"
"No, I haven't travelled much in Korea," Hazel admitted, her voice soft.
Aiden, his gaze warm and inviting, replied, "I've only been to Gunsan once. This is the second time."
"You've been here? When?" Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.
"With my school friends! There's a lot of pretty places, things to see," Aiden explained, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I pushed to come here so I can show you around."
Hazel's heart skipped a beat. "You wanted me to come...?"
Aiden's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with genuine affection. "Of course! You're the only one I wanted to go with."
His face lit up, radiating that familiar confidence that had captivated her from the start.  It was a confidence she had missed, a feeling she was glad to rediscover.
"How about you? Are you glad to see me here? Did you know it was me that wrote the message?" Aiden asked, his voice laced with a hint of anticipation.
Hazel met his gaze, her own heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Of course I did! That's why I chose yours."
The truth, unspoken but understood, hung heavy in the air.  She had chosen his card because she wanted to see him.  She wanted this last date with Aiden, this final moment in the House to be filled with joy and shared memories.
"What do you want the most from today's date?" Aiden asked, his voice gentle, his eyes searching hers.
"What do you mean?" Hazel replied, her voice a mere whisper, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
Aiden's gaze held hers, his expression earnest and sincere. "I'm going to take more care of you today than ever. Comfortable, fun, serious, romantic… just tell me anything you want. Whatever you want. I'll try to make it come true."
Hazel couldn't help but smile. "Isn't it always fun with you?"
Aiden's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yeah. It's always fun with me! It's all because I like you so much. Did you know that?"
Hazel's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "You can make it fun if you like someone?"
Aiden nodded, his voice filled with an almost childlike wonder. "Of course. That's all I think about when I like someone. What she would like, what to go eat together, what to talk about."
The realization struck Hazel like a bolt of lightning. He probably thought about her all the time.  And whenever she was with Aiden, she was undeniably happy.  There was never a dull moment, never a time when she wasn't smiling.
"You won't regret choosing me today," Aiden declared, his voice filled with confidence. "I'm going to make today the best day for you… so you want to be with me all the time."
His words were sweet, his intentions noble, but Hazel felt a pang of guilt.  She didn't need him to go to such lengths.  She was already happy just being with him, just being in his presence.
"Ah, but… I think I like just like the normal you," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.
Aiden's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hmm… So you want me to be like how I always am, right?"
"Yeah. Like that," Hazel confirmed, her smile shy but genuine.
Aiden's face broke into a broad grin. "Okay. Then I'll just be normal. Hey, stand here and balance yourself."
"Huh?" Hazel tilted her head, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Aiden, his usual playful demeanor back in full force, explained, "The person that can walk to the end without falling is the winner."
He was back to his normal self, the charming, mischievous Aiden she knew and loved.  Walking on the train tracks without falling…  He really was the entertainer of the House.  So cute.
"But what do I get from winning?" Hazel asked, a playful challenge in her voice.
Aiden shrugged, his expression innocent. "I never thought about it to that point. Can you think of it?"
Hazel's eyes sparkled with mischief. "The winner gets to slap the loser on the wrist. How about that?"
Aiden's face contorted in mock horror. "I don't want to be slapped… let's go, then!"
Hazel couldn't help but laugh.  She never had to think about what to do with Aiden. He was always full of ideas, always creating new adventures.  But… she didn't want him slapping her wrist.  She'd better focus.  With Aiden's power and strength, she doubted her wrist would be safe.  Determined to win, she concentrated hard, her eyes fixed on the end of the beam.
"Ah…!"
A gust of wind, carrying with it a swirl of dust, caught her off guard.  The gritty particles stung her eyes, and she started swaying, losing her balance.
"I got you."
Aiden's hand shot out, catching hers just as she was about to tumble backwards.  His face was inches from hers as he pulled her in towards him, his touch warm and reassuring.
"Your feet fell off first! Did I beat you?" Aiden exclaimed, his voice laced with a hint of playful teasing.
Hazel blinked, momentarily stunned.  Wait, did she lose?  Really?
"Is winning everything to you?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment.
Aiden's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, come on. I did my best to win this."
Hazel couldn't help but smile, her heart warming at his playful demeanor. "I didn't know you wanted to slap me so bad."
Aiden's hand shot out, grabbing her arm.  "It is how it is. Come here."
He pulled her closer, swinging his arm in the air as though about to deliver the promised slap.
"Wait, what, really?" Hazel exclaimed, her voice laced with a mixture of amusement and apprehension.
Thinking it was going to hurt, she instinctively closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact.
"Hmm, actually, I change my mind," Aiden announced, his voice a low murmur against her ear.
Instead of the anticipated slap, his hand gently enveloped her wrist, his warmth radiating through her skin.
"I get to choose when the penalty is over!" he declared, his voice laced with a playful lilt.
His hand slipped down, interlacing his fingers with hers.  This wasn't bad at all.  Hazel grinned, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and contentment.  She held on tighter, relishing the warmth of his touch.
At the downtown the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air as they strolled through the bustling downtown streets.  Aiden led her to a quaint bakery, its windows displaying an array of tempting pastries.
"How is it?" Aiden asked, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
Hazel savored the warm, sweet taste of the red bean bread, her eyes closed in pure bliss. "It's so good. It's the best red bean bread I ever had in my life."
Aiden's smile was a beacon of warmth. "That's good. It's a very popular bakery. I was here before, too."
Hazel took a bite of the red bean bread, her eyes sparkling with a newfound contentment. "Cool! Hmm, lately, I've been thinking of my first day I came to the House."
Aiden's brow furrowed in curiosity. "Hmm?"
"I got 0 messages that day, remember?" Hazel recounted, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "It was so devastating. I really thought it was the end of the world. I was sad to think that no one found me attractive. But now I'm out on a date with you like this. It's nice."
Aiden's gaze softened, his expression filled with a mixture of regret and affection. "I should've been honest from the start. I liked you from the beginning. But… I just didn't want to be too straight forward from the start. If I could turn back time, I would do that. So that you can only focus on me. I do that anyway."
Hazel's heart warmed at his confession. "Don't worry."
"Really? I feel so good right now," Aiden replied, his voice laced with a genuine sense of relief.
"Do you ever feel bad?" Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.
Aiden's expression shifted, his eyes reflecting a vulnerability she had rarely seen before. "I didn't feel good when you were sick. Or when you were hanging out with other guys. The only time I'm all happy is with you. You should know that."
His words were a balm to her soul, confirming what she had always suspected.  Aiden always expressed how special she was to him, how he treated her differently from others.
"Wait, so in order to make you feel good, I have to be there?" Hazel asked, a playful lilt in her voice.
Aiden nodded, his eyes locking with hers. "Now you know."
But it was the same for her.  She became a brighter, more vibrant person when she was with him.  They made each other better, brought out the best in each other.  Maybe that was why she wanted to stay closer to him… as always.
"It's so quiet. There's hardly anyone around," Hazel observed, her voice barely a whisper.
Aiden smiled, his gaze lingering on her. "Yeah. It's good to talk and have a walk. Different from my school, right?"
Hazel's gaze drifted to the deserted streets, a sense of tranquility washing over her. "Yeah. It's like we are the only ones here. Do we have anything else to do?"
Aiden's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course. Don't forget, it's Aiden you're with. I never disappoint you. And always make you laugh!"
Hazel couldn't help but roll her eyes, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Doesn't it embarrass you to toot your own horn like that?"
Aiden's expression shifted, his eyes widening in mock offense. "It's the truth. Should I be embarrassed? I'll do that if you want."
Hazel chuckled, shaking her head. "Never mind, just do you!"
Although he was always himself, she liked him the most when he was just him - the Aiden who never disappointed her and always made her smile.
A few minutes later, Aiden led her into a brightly lit photo studio, its walls adorned with elaborate backdrops and props.
"Picture? Are we taking pictures?" Hazel asked, her voice laced with a hint of surprise.
Aiden's eyes gleamed with excitement. "This studio is so famous that it's a must-go-to place for couples. We must take a photo here!"
Hazel awkwardly settled into a plush chair, her gaze fixed on a point in the distance.  She was usually cool with taking pictures, but something about this felt different.  Maybe it was the way their thighs were pressed together, a new level of intimacy that made her heart race.  Don't be so nervous, Hazel! You can do it!
"Now look at each other. Try to pose like a couple!" the photographer instructed, his voice a gentle but firm command.
What is posing like a couple…? Is he asking them to kiss? Or what?  Hazel's mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Look at me, Hazel," Aiden whispered, his voice a warm caress against her ear.
His hand gently cupped her cheek, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her body.  Her face, which had felt like a broken robot, suddenly warmed up like a flame.
"You're doing good! Any other pose?" the photographer asked, his voice a reassuring presence in the otherwise charged atmosphere.
Aiden's gaze held hers, his expression intense. "Hmm… Hazel, wait."
Another pose.  Hazel sat there like a stone, her mind a jumble of conflicting emotions.  Aiden was approaching her, his movements slow and deliberate.  How close was he coming?  She should wake up and take the lead now!  It might look like she didn't like it if she just sat there like this.  Gathering her courage, she reached out, her hand gently wrapping around his cheek.
Aiden's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of shock crossing his features before he relaxed, a wide smile spreading across his face.  You always make my heart beat so fast.
"Is that it? No, right?" Aiden asked, his voice a playful tease.
Hazel's mind went blank. "I'm… I'm thinking!"
She had been going to take the lead like a boss, but she ended up freezing up again.
"You don't have to think. I'll do that. Just be comfortable," Aiden reassured her, his smile warm and reassuring.
He looked at her, his eyes filled with an unspoken promise.  What do I do now?  Hazel thought, her mind a tangled mess.  She really couldn't think of what to do next anymore.
"Well done, both of you. Come and choose the best photos here," the photographer announced, his voice breaking the spell that had held them captive.
It didn't take long for them to choose the pictures, their laughter echoing through the studio as they reminisced about the awkward yet endearing poses they had struck.
"It's almost evening… are we heading back soon?" Hazel asked, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice.
Aiden's gaze met hers, his expression a mixture of amusement and tenderness. "This is not the end. Sit here, Hazel."
Just as she was about to feel a pang of disappointment at the thought of their time together coming to an end, Aiden led her to a small table tucked away in a corner of the studio.
"I'm going to make you into a very honest person today," Aiden declared, his voice filled with a playful lilt.
"What do you mean?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Aiden's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I think you're too shy about expressing your feelings. So we're going to write a letter at the back of this photo and exchange it."
He handed her a pen, his own hand already moving across the back of the photograph.  It wasn't a very big picture, so she'd have to make her words simple and clear.  He was already writing something down, his expression focused and intense.  She did have things to tell him.  Her hand started moving slowly, her heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.  She wanted to show him how she had been feeling, how much he meant to her.
Hazel's letter: "You are always someone so amazing and thankful. And that won't change. I always wanted to say thank you, but it was hard for me. I'm going to try and express myself more, so I hope you'd be there for me until the end. Thank you."
"This should be enough," Hazel said, her voice barely a whisper.
Aiden looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Are you done?"
"Yeah. You?" Hazel asked, her voice a soft murmur.
Aiden's gaze darted away, his cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "Yeah. But let's read it later. Okay?"
Hazel's heart skipped a beat.  He was acting different from his usual self, his usual confidence replaced by a shyness that was both endearing and intriguing.  "You too! Don't read it now, okay?"
Aiden nodded, his voice a hushed whisper. "No! So put it in your bag now."
"You look embarrassed than ever. It's getting me curious," Hazel teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Aiden's face contorted in a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. "No! We're leaving now. Come here, let's go! Jeez, this is so embarrassing…"
From yesterday to this morning, Hazel had been thinking about what more she could show him, how she could express herself more fully.  And here they were, their hearts beating in unison, their unspoken feelings hanging heavy in the air.
"I can't let you find about my feelings… especially the letter!" Aiden exclaimed, his voice laced with a mixture of desperation and vulnerability.
Aiden's letter: "You're the first person I met, and I want you to be there for the last moment. I had moments when I didn't feel like myself after meeting you. But even that, I enjoyed it. Thank you for gifting me with this precious time, moments and emotions. Whatever choice you make, I won't forget you. Thanks a lot.
PS. I hope I can change that last sentence into 'I like you'."
"Even for me, it's hard to be so direct," Aiden admitted, his voice barely a whisper.
The air in the girls' room hung heavy with the scent of lavender and the soft hum of a fan battling the summer heat. Hazel, sprawled across her bed, sighed, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. "Ugh, I'm tired," she muttered, her voice barely a whisper.
But the weariness couldn't hold her back for long. A sense of urgency, a thrill of anticipation, pulsed through her. It was time. Time for the Luv Question.
She grabbed her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she composed a message to Aiden. "I wonder if we can get closer when the summer comes. I hope so."
A moment later, a reply popped up, sending a flutter of excitement through her. "I believe we have many more days to smile together."
Hazel's heart skipped a beat. Aiden's words were a balm to her soul, a promise of shared joy in the days to come.
"Next is the Luv Question," she murmured, her fingers tapping out the words on the screen.
The Luv Alert, a digital messenger of love and longing, displayed the final question: "Seventh, the last Luv Question. If you could confess your feelings to them right now, what would you like to say?"
Hazel scrolled through the responses, each one a testament to the depth of feeling in the House.
Glen, with his unwavering devotion, wrote, "I've already waited a long time, so I won't wait any longer."
Jake, ever the adventurer, declared, "Wherever you are, I'll go find you so show me how you feel."
Lina, with her poetic heart, penned, "I'm going to write your name down on my heart."
Courtney, forever cherishing the past, confessed, "Our first meeting, that warm moment.... I'll remember it forever."
Aiden, his words echoing Hazel's own desires, wrote, "I'll run to you. Very fast. To be with you."
Sol, with a newfound confidence, expressed, "I could smile a lot thanks to you. And because of that, I've changed."
And Asher, his words filled with a vulnerability that touched Hazel deeply, confessed, "You make me want to say things I usually can't. I want to give you all my heart."
Hazel paused, her breath catching in her throat. What would she say? What words could capture the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her?