Her expression shifted once more, a shadow passing over her face. “I’m waiting for them,” she said, glancing around as if expecting them to appear at any moment.

Rex nudged her hand gently with his nose, and she giggled, the sound breaking through her earlier solemnity. It was a small victory, but it was one nonetheless. The sound seemed to bring some color back to her cheeks.

“Do you want to sit with us for a while, until they come?” I offered, gesturing to a nearby bench.

She nodded again, and we walked over, Rex staying close to her side. As we sat, I scanned the area, looking for any sign of someone searching for her. But the streets remained as quiet as before.