Jojo:

Mel's right hand touched my thigh, she squeezed it gently. I looked away from the floor and turned to her. Through my blurry vision and tear-filled eyes, I could see a soft and sad smile form on her face.

"Okay tigress, let's get back to the room now. Valerie has been out there on her own for so long. Now, I know she's brave, but there's only so much loneliness a nine-year-old can take."

Shit! In the heat of the moment, I had forgotten all about Valerie. I sat down ...