Carefully, Alexander helped her gather her scattered belongings and bundled them into the car. As they drove away, Emily peeked out the window for one last glance at the house, a place that had once been her sanctuary but was now just a memory.

Alexander took her to a cozy diner nearby. He ordered a hot chocolate for Emily and a coffee for himself. As she sipped the warm drink, Emily felt a little of the chill in her bones begin to thaw.

“Why were you sitting outside like that, Emily?” Alexander asked gently.

“My stepmother,” she replied quietly, staring into her cup. “She said I don’t belong there anymore.”