Mara’s eyes filled, but she kept her hand where the girl could hold it.

“I thought if they got here, everything would become clear.”

“Some things take longer,” Elena said.

The nurse showed Mara the approved visiting schedule and explained that changes needed to go through the placement team.

Mara read each line rather than nodding through it.

“Can I take them home?” she asked finally.

“Not today,” the worker answered.

Mara looked at the order in her lap.