CHAPTER 248

ANNA KYLIN CHESTER

I WATCHED HAILIE pick up dome snow with her fingers. Excitement was clearly written all over her face as she let the snow pour from her face. Even though they had been here for almost a week, not much had changed. Elijah remained silent and angry most of the time, but his animal instinct to growl and become defensive had reduced significantly. Hailie had opened up much more. She behaved like the child that she was. She was still fascinated by snow. Everyday when all the children had gone to school and they were alone, Elijah would take her to the yard and watch her as she played with the snow to her satisfaction. He never joined her, though. He did not even smile, but I could see his eyes change anytime he thought he was alone with his sister – they became warm and softer.

I had also seen Hailie and Addison share a moment when they looked through a picture together. I hoped it would be the beginning of a strong bond between them. But not Elijah; I had seen him look