16

Zoey stepped aside to give her mother and Isla some space to talk…

Her mother adjusted her sitting posture and looked at Isla, concern clearly written all over her face. She started gently, “Isla, please don’t leave this town. Don’t make things harder for your daughter. She’s already grown used to this place and the people here. Why would you want to plant sorrow in her heart…?” Her voice trailed off, heavy with worry.

Isla only shook her head, her eyes on Zoey’s mother as she replied, “You don’t understand. Everything I do, all this moving from town to town....it’s all to protect my daughter. We’ve never stayed this long anywhere before. I can’t just sit back and watch while I lose my only child.”