YEARS

E'S

y. We can't trust those who move around in the airport, especi

thing to go start afresh with a new identity. Five years since the bet

pushed down by them. All I remembered was w

erson who dropped me off said he never wanted to see me again in Seattle

be disturbing and create a lot of questions as to why I am back even afte

e, I am ready to face off my enemies. I am read

hand, bringing my attentio

my is fine." I sighed and looked around, searc

e wa

I let go of her tiny hands and reached out

he wasn't there anymore. Amelia wasn't near me or nearby. M

called, lo

can't lose my baby. With a racing heart, I

-

AN'S

hat evening before I took my gaze back to my assis

say she is c

ching around for us, sir," he answered and lo

eattle that day, but she was delaying, know

ing too busy with work all the time and was ready to do anything t

y longer. Caroline would have to find her way ba

ing at his screen. "She said she would be with us in ten minutes,

sat back down. What o

e couch while trying to be patient. Suddenly, a

" she said, staring

hen, her parent could be around anywhere and would

avor, d

d, I didn't see my mother again. I don't know where sh

crying and I felt pit

questioned, "What is y

m Am

your moth

ay

ted me since. That name that I dreamt of for over

She was murdered and if only I had pa

cept that she forgives me. But can the dead forgive? I w

little girl. "Where was she b

er head. "I

ely stuck with her face. That face looks so

me when I was younger

y your mother's

ay

PTE

E'S

roat. My heart raced with every passing second, fear

thought of anything happening to Amelia sent waves of anxiety crashing o

rring my vision. I blinked them back, refusing to give in t

ught, my mind racing. Wha

ut my phone with Amelia's photo. "Please, sir, have y

se sent my heart sin

se scenarios. Kidnapping, accidents, harm.

r Mummy," I whispered, my v

the responses were all the same – no one had seen he

kind-faced woman approached me. "Ma'am, have you s

inted east. "I think I

ting my face. "Really?" I asked,

s, go that way. I'm s

wed by determination. I woul

short-lived, as anxiety crept back in. "Please, was she with anyone wh

e little comfort. "No, she was

s. As I continued eastward, I called out to Amelia, my voice

as on the right path. They all corroborated the woman's story, but

ued searching. But the silence was deafening.

eaming down my face. Frustration and despair overwhe

thought, regret, and self-blame wa

, a tiny voice pierced th

um

at. I slowly turned a

you," Amelia exclaimed, her smil

ng away my tears. I swept Amelia

a tight hug, relief washing over me. "Thank heaven yo

d me, her face radiant. "I'm so

in my eyes. "I'm more glad," I sai

ce as I asked, "Why did

ve. "Mummy, I didn't wander off. I

you could have done was tell me you wanted to see Barney,

emories of our sepa

"You got me so worried and scared. I thought something t

ident. "I'm so sorry, Mummy. I d

apology. I took a deep

ou won't do something like this ag

, determination shinin

nd stood up, grasping her h

e, grateful that Amelia was safe and sound. No harm had

mark. I vowed never to let go of

ered to the ordeal we'd just overcome. Amel

e and nice man today," she

us. "Let's talk about it later, baby

in disappointment. "But why can't

get to a safe place first, like a hotel. Then

oice laced with frustration. "

suring her. "I know, baby. But

, and the driver's voice c

?" he asked, his e

a sense of relief

ur luggage as I held Amelia clo