Chapter 3 - Secrets in the Snow
Zelda gripped Cara’s hand tighter. "Our mom told us never to go with strangers," she said, her eyes flashing with a survival instinct far too advanced for a six-year-old. "She said people promise things they don't mean."
Arthur nodded slowly, respecting her fierce protectiveness. "Your mother was very wise, Zelda. But I am not a stranger. My name is Arthur Vance. A long time ago, your father was my younger brother, Thomas."
At the mention of their father's name, Cara looked up, her glassy eyes widening slightly. "Daddy?" she whispered.
"Yes, Cara," Arthur said, a gentle smile breaking through his shock. "Thomas was my brother. He loved music, and he had a laugh that could fill a room. And he had a mark, right here," Arthur pointed to his own neck, "just like Zelda does."
Zelda’s hand flew to her neck, covering the crescent-shaped mark. She looked at Arthur, analyzing his face, searching for the lie. But all she saw was a profound, aching sincerity and eyes that mirrored the same shape as her own.
"We don't have a home anymore," Zelda said quietly, her defense mechanism finally fracturing under the weight of the freezing cold. "The lady who was watching us told us to wait here. She said someone would come. But the police officer said no one was coming."
"The officer was wrong," Arthur said firmly, standing up and extending his hands. "I am here. And I promise you, you will never have to sit in the cold again. Will you come with me?"
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Cara pulled on Zelda’s sleeve. "Zel, my toes are frozen. Please?"
Zelda looked from her sister to Arthur. The sheer exhaustion of fighting the world alone at six years old finally caught up to her. She nodded. Arthur didn't hesitate; he scooped both girls into his arms, wrapping them in his large wool coat, and carried them to the warmth of his car.
