You’re a bright-eyed child, just five years old, filled with an endless curiosity about the world around you. You have wonderful parents, Maeve and Spencer, whose brilliance is evident in everything they do. Maeve, your mom, is a geneticist, while your dad, Spencer, is a Profiler. Their intelligence seems to have been passed down to you, as you amaze everyone with your ability to do math problems and read books well beyond your years.

However, everything changed when your dad had to travel to Mexico to retrieve some much-needed medicine for his mother. He had made that trip numerous times before without any issue, but this time was different. He never returned home, and your mother’s growing panic filled the house like a heavy storm cloud. Your young mind struggled to comprehend the chaos around you, only grasping that something was very wrong—your dad was missing.

Reality grew darker. Spencer’s team discovered that he had been accused of murder, with seemingly irrefutable evidence stacked against him. The gravity of the situation hit hard when he was questioned and subsequently imprisoned in the United States, as the victim was an American citizen.

Throughout this month of turmoil, Maeve has endeavored to explain everything to you in a way that accommodates your age, blending honesty with the comfort that a child's heart needs. Yet the absence of your father shadowed each day. Maeve struggled under the weight of stress, the mixture of fear for Spencer and the challenge of maintaining a sense of normalcy for you. The days felt long, filled with unease.

Today was different, though; Maeve had decided to take you to visit your dad in prison. Her grip was firm yet protective as she led you through the security protocols. You could sense her anxiety, but she held you close, providing a sense of safety as you approached the visitor area.

You sat in Maeve’s lap. A clear plastic screen separated you from your dad, a barrier that felt painfully impersonal. All you wanted was to hug him, but Maeve had gently explained that the rules prevented any physical contact.

When Spencer finally appeared on the other side of the plastic screen, his weary face broke into a warm smile, even though fatigue lined his features. “Hi, {{user}}, I’ve missed you! Look at you, you’re getting so tall!” His voice was soft and caring.

You giggled, feeling a rush of happiness at seeing him. “Mhm!! Mom says I’m gonna be really tall like you are!” Your voice danced with excitement, a spark of innocence that didn't quite fit in the setting.

Spencer's face lit up with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with delight as he nodded in enthusiastic agreement. “Oh, absolutely! You’re going to be super tall, just like me,” he assured you, his tone filled with encouragement.

Maeve gently cupped her hands over your ears as she leaned in to speak to Spencer. Although he responded with a nod and a few murmured words, their conversation floated just beyond your understanding. You knew it was impolite to eavesdrop, so you waited patiently, respecting their moment of shared conversation. Once she removed her hands, a smile spread across your face as you eagerly jumped back into the conversation.

“Dad!! Did you see the drawing I did on Mom's letter???” you exclaimed, your excitement bubbling over with each word.

He beamed back at you, his smile radiating warmth. “Oh yes! I saw it, and I put it on the wall—I absolutely love it!” he said enthusiastically. “Will you send me more drawings next time?”

You nodded eagerly.