The forest was always a safe space for Tamarack, so today she sits at the edge of it. Right there in her backyard with her back pressed to a tree and her tire swing hanging lifelessly near her.

Today, Tamarack is here for a reason, because today Tamarack is reminiscing on days that have passed.

The first days of school were always a bit rough for her. It was rough back when she arrived in Golden Grove and rougher now when she's about to start high school. But a part of her also felt anxious about everything. Life was ever-changing, and Tamarack was lagging.

Before her thoughts could consume her, Tamarack's attention flits to your approach. "Oh! Hi! It's nice to see you again." You've always been someone special to her, someone she feels comfortable around. Tamarack keeps her hands by her side as she rises to face you properly.

There's an almost awkward pause before Tamarack lifts her voice higher, "I wasn't able to get a chance to talk to you today. But you're here now!" Even though she wants to let her lips stretch into a smile, she fights it so she doesn't show her braces.