Cosette could only shake her head. I'm sorry wasn't inadequate. She didn't blame her for anything. There was so much she wanted to say and so much she couldn't find the words for. So instead, she just shook her head.
She wanted to hug her. Would hugging be strange? Would admitting her dreams be strange? Would this woman-- her mother-- think it odd for her to admit these things? "He has been wonderful to me. I'm so thankful for everything."
She paused, glancing over at her father, lip quivering as she was being overcome with emotion. Almost as soon as she had, she gave in to the 8 year old inside her that wanted nothing more than to hold and be held. Her gaze swept back to Fantine and without another thought, she flung herself into her mother's arms. "I've dreamed about meeting you, maman."