The older woman looked down at Catherine silently for a few moments before she sighed heavily. She crossed her arms and glared at the young girl, shaking her head slightly.

"Don't bother trying to explain yourself to me, Catherine. Just know one thing. My husband and I were planning on taking you with us. Your father has already offered us money. But I don't think we'll accept it."

Catherine blinked. "My father...? You... You're going to take me with you?"

The woman simply nodded solemnly in response. "We're your family now, Catherine. You belong with us."

Catherine looked down at the ground, letting her tears fall freely from her cheeks....