Lian tightened his embrace, his hand cradling the back of her head. "No," he said firmly, as much to himself as to her. "Don't go there. We can't let fear destroy the little hope we have left. We have to believe that we'll get her back. We will."
The minutes stretched into hours, and still, Lisa couldn't pull herself away from the room.
She traced her fingers over the crib's rail, the soft blanket, the small teddy bear that Lianna had loved to cuddle.
Every item was a reminder of their child, now out of reach, in the hands of someone who harbored nothing but hatred for them.
Emberly arrived first, her face drawn with worry.
She pulled Lisa into a hug, holding her tightly as though her strength alone could transfer to her friend.
"We're all here for you," Emberly murmured, brushing back Lisa's hair as sniffled back sobs.
