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“Because she needs to rest, and the hospital is the best place for her tonight.”
She considers that for a moment. “Can I call her?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Why not now?”
“Because she's had a difficult day, Anya, and I'd rather she sleep than spend the evening answering questions about your horses.”
Anya looks offended. “I wasn't going to ask about the horses.”
I wait.
She sighs. “Not right away.”
I crouch in front of her. “She asked about you as soon as she woke up, and she was very relieved when I told her you were fine.”
That makes her smile. “Did you tell her I want her to come back?”
“Yes.”
“What did she say?”
“She said she'd like to see you.”
Anya's smile widens, and I can almost see her planning the next three days.
“Before you start making arrangements, she hasn't agreed to anything yet,” I tell her. “If she comes to stay, I want you to remember that she's a person with her own life, not somebody you can keep because you like her.”
“I know that, Papa.”
“Good.”
“But she could still have the room next to mine.”
“We'll discuss rooms when there's actually someone to put in one.”
Galina steps forward. “I think it would be better for Anya to return to her normal routine, Nikolai. She's had a terrible fright, and becoming attached to a stranger who may only stay for a few weeks could make things harder for her.”
I look at her.
Galina has been part of this household for most of my life, and I know she believes she has Anya's best interests at heart.
“I understand your concern, but her normal routine was disrupted by someone trying to run her over, so I'm not going to insist she forget about the woman who saved her simply because that would be more convenient.”
Galina lowers her eyes. “Of course. I only meant that children can become attached very quickly.”
“I know. That's why I'm being careful.”
Anya tugs at my hand. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”
I look down at her.
She hasn't asked that in months.
The fear is still there, beneath all the questions about Elle, and I can see now that she's been trying to keep herself occupied so she doesn't have to think about the accident.
“Of course you can.”
