UNKNOWN (SUSAN) POV

While I worked, I tried to keep the conversation light, hoping it would distract her from her anxiety. “You know, Ella,” I said, trying to sound cheerful, “I’ve heard that kids who are brave get special rewards. Maybe when this is all over, we can go somewhere fun. How does that sound?”

She looked up at me with a mixture of scepticism and curiosity. “Where? Will it be with my mum?”

I gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m sure your mum will be very happy to hear about it. But right now, we need to finish getting ready so we can go see her.”

Ella nodded slowly,...