Her eyes came up to mine — just a flicker — and the gratitude in them was so raw it nearly took my legs out.

I went back to the front of the room and started the morning like it was any other, because that steadiness was the only thing I had to give her right then, and I was going to give her all of it.

Chapter 9 — Somebody Who Believes Her

During afternoon reading circle I picked a book about a little bird caught out in a storm, hunting for a safe branch.

The kids gathered on the rug.

Birdie stayed standing by the bookshelf, arms wrapped around herself.