“I am so sorry,” Delfina murmured. “I am sorry you had to do what you did. You were far too young for that.”
Alina quietly crawled into the space beside her mother. She placed her head gently against her shoulder. She held tight as the tears she had held back finally poured from her. She cried for the long walk. She cried for the hunger. She cried for the fear of losing everything she loved. Delfina wrapped her arms as best as she could around her daughter, whispering soothing words that drifted through the room like a warm breeze.
. . .
News of the ordeal spread quickly through Ridgeford Vale and neighboring towns. People were stunned that a child had made such a journey to save her family. Volunteers arrived with clothes, formula, and groceries. Donations came from strangers who wanted the family to stand on firmer ground. A local support group offered temporary housing. A social services coordinator made arrangements for long term assistance.
For the first time in a long while, Delfina felt the weight of survival lift slightly from her shoulders. Yet she always insisted that the true strength belonged to her daughter.