As they exited the highway, it was already noon. Nash first took the family to the city's largest shopping mall, where they strolled around for a while before heading up to the rooftop restaurant for lunch.

Suddenly, a sharp fire alarm blared through the mall.

"There's a fire. We need to get out, now," Nash quickly said as he scooped Orion into his arms and grabbed Nina's hand tightly.

The three of them hurried toward the emergency exit. When they arrived, it was already packed with people, all pushing and shoving, desperate to get out. No one wanted to be the last.

Nash tightened his grip on Orion, holding him even closer.

The thought of getting separated sent a surge of anxiety through him, especially with Orion being so small. There was no way he could push through the crowd of adults on his own. If he got knocked down, a stampede could have disastrous consequences. Orion seemed to sense the seriousness of the situation, wrapping his arms tightly around Nash's neck as they pressed together.

Suddenly, the sound of a child crying pierced through the chaos.

girl in a floral dress, crying helplessly. She looked about Orion's age, standing alone in the crowd with

girl began to stumble, someone's large foot stepped down

ahead with Orion. We'll meet outside!" she called over her shoulder before squeezing through

into her

onto Nina's neck. In doing so, Nina noticed the dark and painful-looking bruises

heart sank. Had this

through the

first thought was to find Nash and Orion. Luckily, they were standing not too far

head to toe. Only after confirming he was unhurt

at the little girl his mother was holding. He extended a hand toward her with a

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