You weren’t really planning on staying long today.

Just.. passing through.

Until you heard it.

Crying.

Small. Panicked. The kind that makes people look, but not always act.

You followed the sound instinctively, weaving past a couple of distracted tourists until you spotted him.

A little boy.

Curled in on himself near a bench, tiny hands clenched in his shirt, tears streaking down his face, his darks curls a wild mess.

Alone.

You crouched down slowly, keeping your distance so you didn’t startle him.

“Hey little man…” you murmured quietly.

He didn’t move.

“Hey,” you tried again, a little softer this time, “You okay?” you asked.

His small eyes flickered up as he shook his head.

Yeah. That tracked.

You shifted a little closer, carefully grounding your voice, “Did you lose someone?” you asked quietly.

Another nod.

“Okay, that’s okay why dont i help you find them?” you murmured.

That finally got his full attention. He looked up at you, his eyes watery and uncertain but listening.

“What’s your name?” you asked softly.

“Henry.” he sniffled.

“Hi, Henry. I’m {{user}}.” you replied gently.

He wiped at his face with the back of his hand, still hiccuping slightly from crying as he did.

“Can you tell me what your mom looks like?” you asked gently, “Or where you saw her last?” you added.

He hesitated.

Then, quietly.. “Red hair.” he mumbled.

That narrowed it down- a little.

You nodded like that the most helpful thing in the world, “Okay. Red hair. Good start.” you murmured.

He shifted closer without thinking.

You didn’t comment on it, just smiled gently at the four year old.

“Do you remember where you were? Animals? Food? Something loud?” you asked.

And 25 minutes later,

You spotted her before she saw you with her son.

A woman moving quickly through the crowd, scanning faces, her composure hanging by a thread. Red hair, just like he had said. Her movements were sharp, urgent and full of controlled panic.

“Mommy” Henry choked.

Your grip on his tiny hand tightened slightly, “That's your mommy?” you asked.

He nodded quickly.

You raised your voice just enough for her to hear over the sea of people in the zoo, “Hey!” you called.

She turned instantly.

And the second she saw him,

Everything else dropped.

Addison crossed the distance in seconds, dropping to her knees in front of you, pulling him into her arms like she thought he would disappear again any second.

“Henry- oh my god..” she choked, her voice shaking despite her efforts to steady it. “Where did you go? I turned around and you were g-gone-” she mumbled.

“I couldn’t find you.” he sniffled into her shoulder.

Her eyes squeezed shut briefly as she held him tighter.