She called the department’s public information officer and requested a carefully limited statement: the mother had been located, was receiving medical care, and investigators had found no basis to conclude she intentionally abandoned her child.

Further personal details would remain private.

The woman in the yellow raincoat still stood near Teresa’s house when Lena returned to check the property.

“Are you here to tell us where she’s been?” Darlene asked.

“She’s alive,” Lena said.

“She needs medical care.

There is no evidence she chose to stay away from Eli.”

Darlene looked past her at the front door.