I looked down at Michelle and tightened my arm protectively around her. Her youthful, sleeping face made my heart crack. What a horrible thing for a young girl to go through.
Her tough exterior made so much more sense now. She had such a tough start in her life, and that gave her major trust issues. I was honored that she seemed to trust me.
I gently stroked her black hair. I wished that I could take away all her pain. She shouldn’t have to deal with a burden like that.
In her sleep, Michelle leaned into my touch, snuggling closer to my side. A lump developed in my throat.
“I’m grateful that Michelle has you,” I said to Gareth as I gazed down at the young girl’s sleeping face.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
I looked at him and smiled. “It’s amazing that you took her in when you didn’t have to. You take such good care of her.”
