“Good job, Lily. You did so well. Stay with them, okay? They’re going to take care of your dad and Mr. Parker.” Vanessa felt like she could breathe again, the choking tension in her chest easing at last.

“Thank you,” Lily said, her voice sounding a little stronger now.

Vanessa stayed on the line as long as she was needed, listening as the EMTs took over, their voices reassuring Lily and beginning the process of saving the two men. Eventually, Lily was safely in the hands of one of the paramedics, and Vanessa knew it was time to hang up.

The call ended, but Vanessa sat for a moment, looking at the screen, at the address that had become so much more than just a line in a database. The quiet bravery of a seven-year-old had touched her deeply, and she knew she would never forget this call.