He knows her well then to recognize she’d vanish into a range of flora in an instant.

Permitted closer, a sign she is not in so much trouble as she had worried upon first realizing she was separated, she releases his hand to find purchase holding the fabric of his clothes instead as she burrows her face right in against him. A few deep breathes with his hand patting on her back, and the fear dissipates. A hard blink pushes the tears away, and when she lifts her face to peer upwards again, a slim smile has appeared. She nods her head a few more times to confirm that yes, she is in fact quite right.

Ornella is a bit small for her age, but the recent loss of her voice has changed a lot in how well she relates and responds socially. Left out of discussion, her attention wanders all too easily.