LAUREN'S POV

Elena just gave me a small nod, then slowly pushed her blanket aside and slipped out of bed, her little feet touching the cool floor. My chest tightened watching her – so small, so innocent, and yet about to be pulled into something she didn’t ask for.

I got up, my fingers trembling slightly as I opened her small wardrobe and started packing her essentials. Her favorite pajamas, the little yellow dress she loved to twirl in, some leggings, and sweaters – because nights could get cold wherever we ended up. I folded them carefully, almost as if each piece of cloth carried my hope to keep her...