MALIA’S POV

Zach smiled softly, leaning closer to Ella, his voice gentle. "I did, sweetheart. But you were so brave. You helped keep your mommy safe, too."

Ella’s eyes widened a little more as if the idea of her own bravery was something she hadn’t considered before. "I was brave?" she whispered, glancing up at me for reassurance.

I nodded, brushing her hair back. "You were incredibly brave, Ella. You stayed calm, and you did everything you could to help. I’m so proud of you."

She seemed to think about this for a moment, then shifted under the blankets, her small face turning serious. "Will I have to be brave...