"Hello, Julianna," she greeted in a soft voice, and I responded with a smile.

"Hi there! You look so much better!" I muttered, and a grin lit up her face as she and her mom entered the office.

"Can I give you a hug?" she asked, to which I gladly agreed.

"Just a heads-up, I might be a little wet from swimming," I cautioned, and she simply shrugged. Nevertheless, she embraced me tightly, and it was surreal to have her standing right in front of me.

"Thank you," she ...