Ella gasped. "Just like mine?"
"Yep, exactly like yours."
"That's so cool! We have the same name!" Ella bounced in her seat, all excited. "Is she nice?"
William felt his eyes getting a bit watery again. "She's the nicest person I know."
"Is she smart like me?"
"Even smarter."
Ella laughed. "That's hard to believe."
"You might be surprised."
"Do you miss her?"
William looked away for a moment to pull himself together. "Every single day."
He noticed her little fingers on his hand and glanced down as she gave it a gentle pat, trying to make him feel better.
"It's okay," she said softly. "I bet she misses you too."
William had to bite his lip to hold back tears.
"Thanks," he whispered.
Ella settled back in her seat. "Now it's your turn to ask me something."
William cleared his throat. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"A scientist," Ella said right away. "Or maybe a superhero. I'm still deciding."
"Both are great choices."
