(God's POV)

Early in the morning, as the first pale light of dawn barely cracked through the darkness, little Ava's eyes fluttered open. The unfamiliar bedroom around her was still shrouded in dim shadows, but she was immediately wide awake.

She turned her head on the pillow and saw Mrs. Reynolds sleeping in the chair beside her bed, having maintained a watchful vigil throughout the night. The sight of the older woman's face made Ava's small features scrunch ...