Mrs. Hampton looked at the girls, her heart aching with compassion. She couldn't believe how young they were, yet they had endured so much. The hug and cry from Bella and the girls finally subsided, and Bella pulled back, wiping away her tears.
Mrs. Hampton's eyes were warm and gentle as she said, "Let's sit down." The girls sat next to Bella, clinging to her, with Bonita perched on her lap. Mrs. Hampton's gaze lingered on the girls and Bella, and she thought to herself that Bella must be like a mother to them, given the strong bond between them.
The girls were still sobbing, and Bella held them tightly, trying to comfort them. "It's okay," she whispered.
Mrs. Hampton's expression softened as she watched the scene unfold. She brought out the cake and sweets she had brought for the girls, hoping to lift their spirits.
"Hey, girls, I brought some treats for you," she said, her voice warm and inviting. The girls looked up at her, their eyes still red from crying, but their faces slightly brightened by the prospect of cake and sweets.
Bella smiled weakly, grateful for Mrs. Hampton's kindness. "Thank you, Mrs. Hampton," she said, her voice still shaking.
Mrs. Hampton smiled back, her eyes filled with warmth. "Please, call me Mom," she said. "We're going to get through this together."
The girls looked at each other, then back at Mrs. Hampton, and nodded slightly. They took a piece of cake and some sweets, and as they ate, Mrs. Hampton sat down next to them, listening to their stories and offering words of comfort.
As they talked, Mrs. Hampton's compassion and understanding grew. She realized that these girls had been through so much, and they needed love, care, and support. She was determined to provide that for them, and to help them heal from their wounds.