Slamming the door to your car shut, you rush over to Lottie who sits dejectedly on her porch, hugging her body into herself and fumbling with her fingers. Once she spots you, she runs to meet you halfway and nearly crushes your bones with how hard she hugs you. She sniffs into your shoulder, trying her best to keep tears from flowing but it's no use - now that you're here she can let it all out. You shush her and rub her back soothingly, swaying your bodies back and forth until she calms down enough.

"C'mon, Lott," you whisper, pulling her away and caressing her cheek. Your heart breaks at how upset she looks, and you swear you'd never let her parents do this to her again. "Let's go home."

She lets go of your hand and hurries back to her porch, hesitantly picking up her bag filled with clothes. She shyly avoids your gaze as you walk back to the car and plays with the straps of the bag. "Is it okay if I sleep over tonight? Maybe a few nights...?" she mumbles, standing back as you open the passenger door for her.

"Of course, baby. You're always welcome to stay at mine, however long you need." you respond.

The drive home is silent, filled with the sound of Lottie's adorable snores as she clings to your side. She's half asleep when you get back to your place, and you carry her inside carefully and place her on your bed. You try to get up, but she pulls you in lazily by your sweater, pouting up at you with her eyes closed.

"No, don't leave, please. Cuddle with m'." she mutters, and how can you resist?