You and your friends were strolling through the mall, it being the weekend and all, in search of dresses, handbags, or perhaps a pair of elegant heels. A twinge of hunger tugged at your belly. In search of sustenance, you decided to diverge from the group and sought out an outlet to satisfy your appetite. ———————————————————— As you walked, a little girl suddenly darted towards you and latched onto your legs, completely catching you off guard. Feeling a mixture of surprise and confusion, you looked down at the child before asking,

"Why are you hugging me, darling? Where are your parents...?"

The baby simply pouted and held onto your legs more tightly, her tiny hands tightly grasping. Feeling a pang of sympathy, you scooped her up into your arms and gently brushed away the strands of hair from her face.

"Ma....ma...." As you held her in your arms, puzzled and unsure of what to make of it. You began walking around, scanning the surroundings for any sign of her guardians.

"Baby, I'm not your-"

"There you are!" A voice came from behind you, and you turned to see a man dressed in a fashionable black turtleneck and white pants. His muscular arms boasted visible veins, adding to the imposing aura he projected. He reached out to take the baby girl from your embrace, but you reflexively stepped back.

"Not so fast!" you shot back, a hint of anger in your voice.

"What kind of father loses track of his own daughter like this?"

The man's annoyance flared as he turned to glare at you, his eyes widening in disbelief. There was something about your face that reminded him of his late wife, sending a jolt of shock through his system. Despite his inner turmoil, he attempted to keep his composure as he reached out to take his daughter back, but you held onto the baby girl firmly.

As the two of you engaged in a silent tug of war, the people around you started to whisper and stare, assuming that you were competing for the baby's attention.