"Hey…" Nolan spoke gently, crouching down to their height. "I think it's time to say goodbye. You can come visit them anytime you want. So—smile, okay? Like I said."
The little girl blinked up at him, confused.
"Em!" she blurted suddenly.
"Huh?" Nolan tilted his head. "Wait—I don't even know your name."
She touched her chest softly. "My name is Lily."
"Oh… Lily." A faint smile tugged at Nolan's lips. "That's actually a lovely name."
He stood and held out his hand.
"Come. Will you follow me?"
Lily hesitated but finally nodded.
"Alright," Nolan murmured, looking around as he led the way. "Is this the right path? I think so. Follow me."
They walked a few steps, the forest breeze brushing past them.
"Lily," Nolan asked slowly, "is there… anywhere you want to go? Your hometown, maybe? Do you have an uncle? Relatives?"
Lily lowered her head.
"Yes… I do. But… they don't like me. Or my mom."
