“Thank you,” she whispered as tears filled her eyes, and she took a small bite that filled her senses with sweetness and warmth. For a moment she closed her eyes, letting herself feel something comforting again after days of emptiness.
When she opened her eyes, the little girl was still watching her, but now there was something thoughtful in her gaze. “You need a home,” the girl said quietly, and Harper forced a faint smile before replying, “Maybe someday.”
The girl stepped closer and spoke in a calm, certain voice that made Harper’s breath catch. “And I need a mom,” she said.
Harper froze in disbelief and asked softly, “What do you mean?” The girl answered simply, “My name is Grace, and my mommy is in heaven, my dad says she is an angel now.”
“I am sorry,” Harper said gently, feeling the weight of those words. Grace looked at her carefully and asked, “Are you an angel?”
Harper shook her head slowly and replied honestly, “No, I am not an angel, I am just someone who made many mistakes.” For a moment Grace stayed quiet, then she reached out with her mittened hand and touched Harper’s cheek gently.