In a few seconds Kat's eyes started to adjust to the light and she made out the figures of Lucy and the driver standing over her. They helped her climb out of the trunk and for a minute she just stood there wrapped in her blanket, squinting and trying to make out her surroundings. They appeared to be out in the country somewhere: there was lots of open space around, and quite a few trees. The house they were in front of was the only one around, and it was extremely large -- not tall, but spread out and occupying a lot of space.
Not quite sure what was supposed to happen now, Kat looked around, but the driver had already disappeared and Lucy and Mimi were walking toward the house. Just before they reached it, a figure walked through the door and passed them going the other way -- a short woman in her 40s dressed in a black blouse and a long, flowing skirt. As they passed each other Mimi gestured toward Kat and said to this woman, "Get her cleaned up." The woman nodded.
Approaching Kat, she took her by the arm and smiled. "My name's Emily, sweetheart. What's yours?"
At the sound of Emily's voice Kat instantly felt more relaxed; it had a warm, soothing, motherly tone. Up close she had neck-length, dark brown hair and striking green eyes. "Kat," she answered.
"Well, come with me, Kat," said Emily, and led Kat toward the back of the house.