Part of her still can't believe that it's that simple -- that Saoirse will just go for a dip and come back, like any of the other children having a paddle (except with an astronomically reduced risk of drowning). But she was resolved to let Saoirse go from the beginning. If she says she's coming back, all she can do is take her word for it.

All she wants to do is take her word for it.

"All right," she says, reaching out to tuck a strand of Saoirse's hair back beneath her hood. "Just... take care. And have fun." And come back soon, she wants to add, but she's meant to be trusting her.