Mara exhaled slowly as she stepped into the foundation's headquarters, the rhythmic sound of her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She had barely taken in her surroundings when a familiar face approached one she had not expected to see so soon.
"Good, you made it," Mara said, offering a small smile. "I didn't even ask for your name the last time."
The young woman hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Vera," she said softly. "Vera Knight."
Mara took in the nervous flicker in the girl's eyes, a mix of uncertainty and hope. She remembered the first time they had met at the hospital the desperation in Vera's voice as she had contemplated a decision no woman should be forced to make. Mara had given her an alternative: a job, security, and most importantly, a future.
"You grew up in an orphanage, right?" Mara asked gently, recalling what little Vera had shared before.
Vera nodded. "Yes. I don't have anyone."
