Actually, "afraid" wasn't quite the right word. Sheldon Caldwell felt a deep-seated admiration and respect for Winter Sullivan.
Vera Xavier smiled faintly. "Oh, so that's why. No wonder the upperclassmen at school said their military training was nowhere near as... uh... intense as ours. But I think it's great. We might never get another chance to experience real military life, so this is the perfect opportunity."
Her words made Sheldon Caldwell's heart leap into his throat, and he only let out a sigh of relief after she finished speaking. He found himself thinking that Vera Xavier was actually rather cute, and not so unreasonable after all.
Winter Sullivan smiled faintly. "Most kids these days are afraid of hardship. There aren't many who think like you anymore."
Vera Xavier laughed. "Is that a roundabout way of calling me exceptional? If so, I accept."
Sheldon Caldwell shot her a look. "Vera Xavier, humility! Be a little more humble!"
