As I worked, Monica hovered near the doorway, clearly torn between confronting me further and retreating. I ignored her, focused on the task at hand.

Finally, she huffed and disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the hollow space that used to feel so full of life.

I finished packing some of Emma’s essentials and called her. “Hey, Em,” I said softly when she picked up. “You’re coming home. You belong here.”

Her voice, though still shaky, had a hint of relief in it. “Really?”