“Hey there, little one,” he said softly, “What’s your name?”
“Emily,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.
“What happened, Emily?” Alexander asked, his gaze flicking to the closed door where Diana stood, peering through the curtains with a disdainful glare.
Emily hesitated, clutching her teddy bear tighter, unsure if she could trust this stranger. But there was something in his eyes, something kind and safe, that made her feel a glimmer of hope.
“My stepmother,” she started, her voice shaking, “She says I don’t belong here anymore.”
