“You need a home,” the girl said quietly.
Elena gave a weak smile.
“Maybe someday.”
The child stepped closer.
Then she said something that made Elena’s breath catch.
“And I need a mom.”
Elena froze.
“What?”
The girl spoke simply, as if stating a fact.
“My name is Sophie. My mommy is in heaven. Daddy says she’s an angel now.”
Elena swallowed.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured.
Sophie studied her carefully.
“Are you an angel?”
Elena shook her head slowly.
“No,” she said honestly. “I’m not an angel.”
She paused.
“Just someone who made a lot of mistakes.”
