« That’s okay, » he said. « You can use them whenever you want. »
Before leaving, Daniel asked whether he could visit again.
The social worker smiled.
« Of course. »
He returned the following week.
And the week after that.
At first, Emily barely spoke. Sometimes she sat beside him without saying anything. Other times, she accepted the little things he brought: coloring books, picture puzzles, and eventually a pink backpack she insisted on carrying everywhere.
One afternoon, Daniel was showing her a picture of a dog when she finally asked him a question.
« Do you have a little girl? »
Daniel smiled.
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