CAMILLA
Every little sound from outside made me jump. The creak of the stairs, the faraway hum of a car engine—it all set my nerves on edge. I kept imagining someone lurking in the shadows, ready to strike.
By morning, my body was exhausted, but my determination was stronger. I wouldn't let fear control me. Ava would stay by my side. Always.
David called mid-morning, reminding me of our lunch. I was hesitant at first, but I knew Ava needed a change of setting. So did I.
I got Ava ready, dressing her in her favorite pink dress with matching shoes. She twirled in front of the mirror, laughing. Her laughing eased some of the tension in my chest.
When David arrived, I explained why Ava would be coming along. He listened carefully, his expression getting serious as I recounted
