I tidy up and make breakfast for us in the morning light, with scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee. I smile as Sophie wanders through, already dressed in a hoody, jeans, and sneakers, her hair in a boyish ponytail. She’s an early riser like me.

She sits awkwardly at the table as though she feels like she should be helping, but I brush it away with a warm, beaming smile and put her plate and mug in front of her. I genuinely like the girl, even after a brief time; there’s something ...