When I open the front door, it's pitch-black inside. Could she still be sleeping? I reach for the switch, flip on the lights, and freeze.
The girl is sitting on the floor a few paces from the door, arms wrapped around her legs, body shaking uncontrollably.
"Shit." I crouch beside her, intending to scoop her up, but the moment I reach, she leaps into my arms, wrapping herself around me like a koala, burying her face in the crook of my neck.
I hold her under the thighs and carry her to my bedroom. My plan to gently lower her onto the bed fails, her arms and legs cling tight.
"I'm so sorry for leaving you alone," I whisper, sitting on the edge of the bed.
There's a bundled blanket nearby. I wrap it around her shoulders. She doesn't move, still clinging and trembling.
"You're safe." I place a hand on her nape and stroke her back with the other. "You're safe."
