That evening, I asked, "Ella, do you want to go back?"

"Are you crazy?" she demanded. "Here I'm a person who matters—for the first time in years—and you're suggesting going back?"

I changed my mind and said, "Promise me you'll be careful."

She nodded and whispered, "I promise."

"Night, Ella," I murmured.

"Night, Lockie," she answered.