Maria lingered by the door longer than necessary, fingers tightened around the strap of her small bag. The house behind her was quiet now, too quiet. Candlelight spilled faintly through the window, soft and steady, a sign that Emilia was settled, at least for a moment.
John stood near the doorway, hands buried in his pockets
“You're sure you'll be okay, getting home,” he asked.
Maria nodded quickly. “It's not very far.”
He smiled faintly. “Thank you.. for staying today.”
She waved it off. “That's what friends do.” Her eyes drifted past him, unto the hallway where Emilia laid curled up in bed wrapped blankets like armor against the world.
“She doesn't want to be alone,” John said quietly, almost apologetically, as if Maria didn't know already.
“I know.” She replied. “She needs you.”
