"We will guard them with our lives for the rest of our lives," Elsie said, her voice steady with a conviction that offered more comfort than any words had in days.

"Thank you," I replied quietly, though the gratitude I felt ran deep. Ethan placed his hand gently over mine, his touch warm and grounding. He didn’t need to say anything for me to know what he was thinking. He understood exactly how afraid I was, how terrified I felt that this might be the last time I would see their ...