“Good girl. Now, can you tell me if there’s anyone else at home with you?”

“No, it’s just us,” Lily replied, sniffing as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Mom’s at work. She usually comes home later.”

Vanessa nodded to herself, keeping a steady line of communication with the little girl while glancing at the screen in front of her. The emergency response team was already en route, but every second felt like an eternity. “Lily, help is very close now. Can you see the ambulance coming?”

Through the phone, Vanessa heard a distant siren wail, growing louder. “Yes! I hear them!” Lily exclaimed, a sliver of relief in her voice.

“Perfect. You’re doing an amazing job, Lily. Can you wave to them when they get to your house?” Vanessa instructed gently.