She nodded, looking genuinely contrite. “I understand. I’ll never do it again. I’m really sorry, Mrs. Taylor. I’ll leave if you want.”

I glanced down at Ellie, who was still snuggling into my shoulder, and then over at her brother, who had settled in beside us on the floor, one hand gripping my sleeve. I didn’t want to make a hasty decision in the heat of the moment, but trust was essential, and right now, it was broken.