"Hot chocolate delivery!" Lisa's voice carries across the clearing, and I turn to see her balancing a large tray of steaming mugs.
The kids swarm her like hungry puppies, but Lisa navigates through them with practiced grace. Her skin looks almost translucent against her dark sweater, and shadows pool under her eyes.
"Thanks for the assist." I help her distribute the mugs, making sure each child has a secure grip before letting go. "Careful, it's hot."
"Blow on it first," Lisa reminds Tommy as he tries to gulp his down.
We settle on a nearby log while the kids huddle in small groups, sipping their treats and chatting about their successful hits during training. Lisa's hands tremble slightly as she wraps them around her mug.
"Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine." Lisa takes a careful sip. "Why?"
"You don't look fine. You're pale as the snow."
