“I just want you to know that there are people who care about you,” I added.
Emma nodded, her expression unreadable.
It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
For now, I had to trust that she would come to me when she was ready.
And until then, I would be there, quietly supporting her in any way I could.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered.