Hope and Darkness

"Will you hold me please. I just want to be held,"She asks me.

"Of course I will,"I replied to her as I climb carefully into the bed next to her. Careful to not bump against any of her injuries and not hurt her
"You will get through this. You are a strong young girl. I know it's going to be hard without your parents,but I promise you things will get easier." Mavis lays against me as I stroke her hair, wiping away the tear droplets rolling down her face. I'm so grateful she is safe now and I make a promise to her that I will never let anyone hurt her again. "I promise you that I won't ever let anyone hurt you like that again. Your safe with me."
Okay Aunt Megan. I'm so glad you're here. I missed you so much. "

" I missed you so much too sweetie,"I tell her as tears fill my own eyes. I pull her close to me feeling the need to protect her. Her long blonde wavy hair cascades against my shoulders. Her face is wet with tears as I continue to stroke her hair and whisper soothingly, "Everything will be okay. Your safe with me. Aunt Megan is here."