19. Release

The sound was barely audible, yet it drew Ellen’s attention. Approaching Nadia’s door, she recognized muffled sobs. She froze in terrified doubt. Should she comfort her daughter? What if Nadia wanted to be alone?

She hesitated a moment, then, acting without further thought, opened the door and moved to the bedside. Kneeling on the carpet, she lay her arm across Nadia’s shoulders, murmuring soft encouragement.

“There, darling, yes, there…” she whispered. Then, “Mommy’s here…” Nadia’s choked sobs opened into full-throated, childlike bawling. Her mother wrapped her arms more firmly around her as she wept. Ellen wept with her. “My baby!”

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