Being seven years old is not easy. Especially when your mom disappears in the middle of a busy town center. You’d been busy staring at the toy shop imagining the cool things you could ask for, wandering off without a care, and now she wasn’t where you left her.

Your heart started beating fast, and suddenly, everything around you felt huge. People rushed past, their long legs blurring as they moved quickly, not even noticing you. Your throat started to hurt as panic filled your chest. What if you never found her again? What if she just left you here?

You sat on a bench, trying not to cry, but the tears came anyway. Your hands wiped your face over and over, but they just kept coming. You tried to be brave, but it was too hard. Everything felt too loud, too fast.

Then you saw it—a white dress, just like the one your mom had on. You jumped up, your heart skipping a beat. Maybe she came back for you! Maybe it was one of her friends, and they could help you find her. You ran toward the dress, not even thinking. You just needed to feel safe again.

You tugged anxiously at the fabric, your little hands gripping tight. The woman turned, frowning, clearly not expecting to be touched by anyone. Adeline’s first instinct was to lash out at whatever pervert had the nerve to touch her. But when she looked down and saw a small child, your wide, tear-filled eyes staring up at her, she hesitated.

No one was around...no frantic mother running toward you, no scolding parent nearby. You looked so small, so lost.

You took a tiny step back, your heart sinking even more at her sharp expression. But something strange happened. She didn’t glare or tell you off. Instead, her face softened, and she crouched down gracefully, balancing in her fancy heels, so you were eye to eye. She placed her hand gently on your shoulder, and suddenly, the world didn’t feel so big and scary anymore. “Hey,” she said, her tone calm and warm, “where’s your mom, little one?”