Fourteen

As the shadow came more into view, a familiar face with wide, frightened eyes searched the room. Relief flooded through Isabelle, and she sobbed with joy, finally finding the energy to rush into the hallway with opened arms. “Mrs. Winters, it’s you.”

Color bloomed in the older woman’s cheeks as tears spiked her eyes. “Oh, my dear child. You’re alive.” She threw out her arms just as Isabelle rushed into them.

Being with her companion now, Isabelle’s future didn’t look so dismal. There was a ray of hope in her cloudy existence.

She pulled away and wiped her wet eyes. “Oh, Mrs. Winters. I didn’t know what