I hold Ava tightly as she weeps, stroking her matted hair and murmuring soothing nonsense sounds. All the while, my own eyes burn with unshed tears for this poor child's plight. She has already suffered so much tragedy and loss in her young life. How cruelly unfair that she should now be trapped in Chavo's vile clutches as well.
After several long moments, Ava's sobs gradually subside into hitching breaths. She remains curled against me, her small body trembling faintly. Glancing up, I find Tessa watching us with an unreadable expression on her face. There is a sheen of moisture in the other woman's eyes as well.
"I'm...I'm sorry," Ava sniffles, making a visible effort to compose herself. "I didn't mean to break down like that. It's just..."
"Hush now, little one," Tessa says, her voice
