The little one jumped in surprise, but she didn't try to struggle out of Mabel Quinn's arms. Instead, she stared blankly at Mabel's tears. Why were so many people crying today? It made her feel so sad too. This auntie crying looked just like when Atlas cried, and it made her really, really want them not to cry.
"Auntie don't cry… don't cry…" The little one lifted her small hand and wiped away Mabel Quinn's tears.
Mabel's tears fell even harder. "I'm not your auntie, Ivy, I'm your mommy!" That cry sounded like it was coming from the depths of her soul. This was the daughter she had risked her life to protect, the daughter who had always depended on her, and yet now her daughter was calling her auntie.
She clearly knew why, but she still couldn't control her emotions.
