Snow had begun to accumulate on the long driveway, softening the edges.
As the black car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the estate's wrought-iron gates, the short-haired woman in the driver's seat stopped the engine with a quiet click.
Elize and Florence were already waiting at the top of the wide stone steps.
Florence who is usually so gentle and composed, was visibly trembling.
Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her chest, and she ran out the moment she saw the car approaching the house.
The woman, Nhara stepped out of the car and opened the rear passenger door.
Florence rushed there and pulled the door wider as she looked inside.
Eira and Dhayun lay slumped across the back seat.
"My dears…"
Florence reached in with shaking hands, brushing hair from Eira's face, then gently cupping Dhayun's cheek.
Tears welled up instantly, spilling over as she leaned in and wrapped both arms around them.
"You're safe now and home. I've got you."
