"If only it was that easy. No, it's something much more...personal." 

Elizabeth's eyes began to water a bit, but she refrained from breaking down in front of Josh. With years of practice, she had nearly perfected her manipulation of tears. But it should go without saying that her mother's death did indeed cause her terrible pain.

"13C, that's my room number," she continued, wiping her eyes with the back of the hand that was holding the crayon, "I'll explain everything later when you happen to stop by for a random inspection." She then took a few steps back looking down at the cute dog but knowing she'd get her hand bitten off if she attempted to pet it. "Alrighty then, I'll leave you to your job before we both get in trouble for fraternization or whatever term they like using around here."

[@Polaris North]