The hospital social worker, Amara Collins, arrived with a soft voice and a notebook.

She explained that until Teresa was located, they would work with child protection staff to identify a safe, appropriate adult for Eli.

She promised not to make decisions without explaining them to him.

Eli held up Buddy.

“He gets scared when people whisper.”

Amara smiled.

“Then we’ll try not to whisper around Buddy.”

When she stepped out, she called the school to verify emergency contacts through the proper channels.