Naomi placed the bowl in front of the girl.

“I made it the way my mom used to when she wanted me to feel safe,” she said.

Fear That Had Nothing to Do With Food

The moment the spoon touched the girl’s lips, her body stiffened.

Tears slid down her cheeks.

Not from pain.

From memory.

“You can eat,” Jonathan said quickly. “No one’s going to get upset. I promise.”

Naomi felt something cold settle in her stomach.

Upset… over eating?

The girl lifted the spoon again, her hands trembling. Every swallow looked like an act of courage she shouldn’t have needed.

Her eyes darted around the room, as if expecting punishment.

Naomi knelt beside her and gently wiped her cheeks.

“You’re safe here,” she whispered. “Nothing bad can happen tonight.”

For a brief moment, the girl leaned into her touch.