“Laura!” Abe got to his feet and held out one hand to the child as he helped steady Isobel with the other.” Come on in. We need to talk.”
Isobel’s heart bled for him as she saw the look in the child’s eyes; doubt, anxiety, trust wavering on the edge of betrayal, but this was no time for displays of uncontrolled emotion. They had to reassure their daughter, nothing else mattered. She moved briskly across the room, closed the door and took Isobel by the hand.
“Come and sit down Laura,” she said with much calm firmness as she could muster.” This is going to be a very big surprise and it is a good thing you are such a big girl and now you can listen carefully and try to understand.”
“We will sit on the floor,” Abe said, folding down to sit cross-legged on the carpet.” Then we can all hold h
