“You know, Emily, when I was about your age, I lost my parents, too,” he confessed. “I know it feels like the world has crumbled around you, but I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m here for you.”

His words were like a balm to her wounded spirit. Emily looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. “What happened to you then?” she asked.

“I was lucky,” Alexander said, his voice reflective. “Someone took me in and gave me the chance to become who I am today. And I want to do the same for you.”