She immediately shook her head.
“I want my mom.”
“That’s perfectly fine.”
He respected her decision.
After thanking her for explaining everything, he stepped outside to make a telephone call.
I kept Ellie’s hand in mine.
“Why didn’t you tell me about that man earlier?”
She appeared uncomfortable.
“I was frightened.”
“I understand, sweetheart.”
“I thought you’d be angry.”
“With you?”
She nodded.
I wrapped my arms around her.
“I would never be angry because you told me someone frigh.ten.ed you.”
She rested against my chest.
For a moment, I couldn’t stop thinking about how close I’d come to becoming frustrated with her while searching for answers.
She was only nine.
The previous hour had been incredibly upsetting for her.
It was the adults’ responsibility to understand the situation, not hers.
Someone knocked gently on the door.
Mrs. Shaw came inside holding a folder.
