ADVERTISEMENT
I stayed right where I was, holding Addison in my arms, until the police arrived. Officers rushed over to check on her, and I gave them as much information as I could. Then came the word we had all been waiting for: Addison’s mother was safe, and she was being looked after. It wasn’t until I heard that news that Addison finally allowed herself to cry. It was as if she had been holding everything inside, waiting for confirmation that her worst fear was truly over.
The police took Addison into their care, but she wouldn’t let go of my hand. Despite the presence of officers, she clung to me as though I was her last anchor in the storm. And so, in the space of a few chaotic moments, I went from being a stranger in Walmart to being a part of this little girl’s life in a way I couldn’t have predicted. It wasn’t just a one-time thing. From that day forward, I found myself playing a role in her healing process — one that no one, including myself, ever expected.
ADVERTISEMENT
