Chapter 2: Safe Haven
The warmth of Arthur’s apartment felt like another world to Maya. He wrapped her in a thick blanket and set a steaming mug of hot chocolate on the coffee table. Her small hands cupped the warmth greedily.
""I'm sorry about your car seat, Uncle Artie,"" she murmured, staring at her feet.
""Never apologize for that,"" Arthur said, kneeling beside her chair. ""Maya, I need you to tell me everything. Why were you outside?""
Maya swallowed hard. ""Aunt Evelyn said I was dirty. She said people like me are a burden and that I needed to be washed off before I was allowed in the kitchen.""
Arthur closed his eyes, fighting back the rage that threatened to spill over. ""Has she always treated you like this?""
May you like
""Only when you weren't visiting,"" Maya whispered. ""She told me if I complained, you’d send me to an institution.""
Arthur took her tiny hand in both of his. ""Look at me, Maya. I am never leaving you again. Never.""
