Clara wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "You scared us, Bella. You really scared all of us."
Bella gave her a small, tired smile—soft around the edges, though her lips were still cracked and a little pale. Her voice came out gently, like a whisper wrapped in warmth. "I'm okay now, Aunt Clara," she said, trying her best to brighten her smile, to ease the heaviness in Clara's gaze. "Really. I promise."
But that fragile reassurance did nothing to stop the trembling in Clara's hands.
