We met on a Wednesday afternoon when the aquarium was nearly empty.

Chloe wore a yellow sweater and carried Bunny tucked beneath her arm.

Camilla stood beside the jellyfish exhibit in a blue coat, trying not to look as nervous as she felt.

I had asked her not to bring presents.

Instead she held a small notebook filled with drawings of sea creatures she’d sketched after reading the aquarium’s website.

“Hello, Chloe,” she said when we approached.

Chloe hid half behind my leg.