Maya sat still on the edge of the couch, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Her knuckles had turned pale, and her heart pounded so loudly in her chest she wondered if the entire house could hear it. The wait felt endless. She stared at the polished floor, the soft ticking of a nearby clock the only sound in the room.

Her mind raced with worries. She tried to imagine how the conversation with Anika had gone. Had she been scared? Confused? Angry? Did she hate Maya now? Did she believe she had been abandoned?

The door down the hall opened at last, and Maya quickly stood up.

Mr....