But he could not.
Not yet.
Not until this was over.
Not until she was safe.
"I was actually trying to say she's safe," William said, making a quick correction. "She's in a safe spot. Just like you."
"Oh," Ella said, sounding a bit let down. "What's her name?"
William met her gaze. "Ella."
Ella gasped. "Just like mine?"
"Yep, exactly like yours."
"That's so cool! We have the same name!" Ella bounced in her seat, all excited. "Is she nice?"
William felt his eyes getting a bit watery again. "She's the nicest person I know."
"Is she smart like me?"
"Even smarter."
Ella laughed. "That's hard to believe."
"You might be surprised."
"Do you miss her?"
William looked away for a moment to pull himself together. "Every single day."
He noticed her little fingers on his hand and glanced down as she gave it a gentle pat, trying to make him feel better.
"It's okay," she said softly. "I bet she misses you too."
William had to bite his lip to hold back tears.
