“Something on your mind, sweetheart?” I asked.
She looked shy, but braver. “I used to be scared to come here,” she said. “But now… it feels safe.”
Sam grinned. “That’s because you haven’t seen Mom on laundry day.”
Dan laughed. “Hey, let’s not bring up laundry day disasters.”
Lizie laughed, warm and open. I smiled, remembering the girl who once flinched at every sound.
I packed her a lunch.
“Here, take this for tomorrow.”
She hugged me tightly. “Thank you, Aunt Helena. For everything.”
I hugged her back. “Anytime. You’re family here.”
