I felt a chill run through me. “What do you mean, gone?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

“The money I saved. It’s not in my purse. I checked everywhere,” she insisted, her voice trembling.

We went to her room and searched every nook and cranny. Her little floral purse was there, but it was empty. My heart sank as I saw the look of desperation on her face. Ava had worked so hard, and to see her savings vanish on a day meant for celebration was heartbreaking.