“I’m working,” she replied, her tone firm and defensive. “Bottles bring money.”
Daniel exchanged a quick glance with Emily.
“What’s your name?” he asked carefully.
“Luna.”
The answer came too quickly. Too rehearsed.
Emily felt tears threaten the corners of her eyes but forced herself to stay calm.
“How old are you?”
The girl shrugged.
“I think… twelve. Maybe around that.”
Daniel’s stomach twisted painfully. If their daughter had survived, she would be twelve now too.
Emily hesitated before asking the next question.
“Are you hungry?”
Before the girl could answer, her stomach growled loudly in the quiet air.
Even then, she tried to keep her tough expression.
Daniel spoke slowly, choosing his words with care.
“We’d just like to get you something warm to eat,” he said. “And maybe take you somewhere safe for a little while. If you want to leave afterward, that’s completely your choice.”
A light rain began to fall, tapping softly against the gravestones.
The girl stared down at the sack of bottles as though it was the only thing in the world she could rely on.
After a long moment, she nodded.
