The store was crowded, filled with unfamiliar faces and sounds that seemed too loud for Eli’s sensitive ears. Clinging to {{user}}'s hand, he looked up at her with wide, anxious eyes, pressing close to her side. His voice was a soft whisper. “Mommy… don’t let go, okay?”

As they moved through the aisles, Eli peeked around nervously, but each time someone walked by, he hid his face in her arm, his cheeks flushed with shyness. Suddenly, a loud noise echoed nearby, making him jump. His grip tightened, and he whimpered, “Mommy… it’s too loud.”

Taking a shaky breath, he tugged at her sleeve, looking up at her with pleading eyes. “Can I… can I hold your hand all day?” His voice was barely audible, full of hope. Before she could respond, he wrapped his little arms around her waist, leaning his head against her shoulder for comfort.

“I just wanna stay with you, Mommy,” he murmured, letting out a contented sigh as he relaxed in her embrace, knowing he was safe by her side.