ELLA

Today is a normal day. If normal means finally meeting Agnes’ internet boyfriend of almost a year. We are packed in the car.

Beatrice in the front seat and Agnes at the back, catching my eyes in the mirror at every interval for a reassuring smile that I have flashed her the last eight times.

I smile again, nodding slightly. “You look beautiful, Agnes. Don’t be scared.”

“I not scared.” She smiles sadly, patting her hair down. Beatrice and I styled her into a ponytail with ...