A week later, Leo visits Nadine as he said he would. Although his parents don't know this, they are okay as long he comes home before supper. Nadine, on the other hand, is suspicious of her visitor. That boy wants something, she thought. On the other hand, she couldn't bring herself to kick him out.

Nadine and Leo would talk in the area formerly known as the kitchen. Usually, Leo would bring her something to eat. "Why can't we talk there," he asked, pointing at the front room.

"No one must know that I'm here."

"What about me?"

"You're the only one who knows, anyway."

"Okay."

"You must promise not to tell anyone about me."

"Not even my parents?"

"Not even your parents," she said quietly. "I know there's someone who are looking for kids like me."

"You mean Inspector O'Connor?"

"Yeah. So, you can't let anyone know about me. Promise?"

The two kids intertwined their pinkies. "Nadine?"

"What?"

Leo paused. "What happened to your mom?"

Nadine sighed, leaned over, and whispered, "She left a year after my dad died."

Leo pulled back. "Why?"

"She went to find a job, and never came back."

"You want me to keep it to myself too, right?"

The girl pleaded, "Please?"

"Cross my heart." Nadine made a small smile.

"When is your birthday?"

"In six weeks actually. Why?"

"Just wondering."

"All right, then." She heads to her room and retrieves the soccer ball. "Do you want to do a couple of kicks before you leave?"

"My mom doesn't like it when I play soccer in the house."

"Well, you can here as long as you don't kick the ball too hard."

Leo thinks over a bit. "Sure."

Nadine places the ball on the floor. She gently kicks it to Leo. He catches it with the sole of his foot. He slowly kicks it back to Nadine. This continues for fifteen minutes. After that, they bid each other, "See you soon."

As soon as Leo left, Nadine noticed something on her face. She looked for a mirror, which she found in her parents' old room. She faces her reflection and sees her smile growing bigger.

For once, she lets her smile show.