I sit on the love seat opposite them, and assume Kayla will be next to Lisa on the sofa. But she surprises me by sitting next to me and taking my hand. She presses close to me, almost climbing into my lap. She’s afraid. I adjust our positions so I can loop one arm around her waist and hold her hand with my free hand. She burrows even closer. I’m not blind to the confused stares we’re getting from the grown-ups, but I don’t care. If she needs me, I’ll be there for her.
