Helga ducked her head for just a moment, letting the disappointment wash over her. As short-lived as the hope had been, Helga had already begun to cling to it. She nodded her understanding that she was, in fact, alone, until the man continued to speak.
"I do?" she asked, surprised and mildly confused, though intrigue suddenly took up her attention. "I am afraid I do not have many friends, sir. I have but Gretta and the animals. Has Gretta been brought here? Other children from the village?" Helga hoped it was the case, although after the latest disappointment, she did her best not to get ahead of herself.