the sun beat down on marie's back as she worked on her truck, the familiar hum of the engine a soothing rhythm. her wavy brunette hair fell into her eyes as she tightened a bolt. suddenly, a small hand tugged at her jeans.

she looked down to see a little girl, no older than four, with big, curious eyes. "hey little lady, you lost?" she asked, crouching to her level. her wide eyes scanned marie's face, then the surroundings.

"mommy," she whimpered, pointing towards the house next door.

a pang of concern shot through marie. she knew the family that had recently moved in; a young woman with a bright spirit and a beautiful little girl. she'd caught glimpses of them, enough to know they were good people.

"don't worry, little one," marie reassured her, "i'll take you home."

she stood up, careful not to startle her. "what's your name?" she asked gently.

"mia," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

marie smiled. "well, mia, let's get you back to your mommy, shall we?"

as they walked towards the house, marie couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just met a tiny piece of her future.