Keith was just about to take Alyssa to the c
children’s play zone at the mall when an inexpected call disrupted their plans.
“Mr. Branson, there’s been an urgent issue came his assistant’s ansious voice over the phone,
“What is it? Explain it to me,” Keith replied.
As the assistant spoke on the other end, Keith’s expression grew increasingly grave, and he finally said, head over night away”
He ended the call and turned toward Alyssa. She was looking up at him with eyes full of anticipation, making it even harder for him to speak, Ha crouched down and gently brushed his hand over her soft hair.
He spoke up, “Sweetie, Daddy has something urgent to take care of Jaclyn will take you to the mall for now, okay?”
Alyssa looked disappointed but still nodded with a small smile. Beside her, Jaclyn took her hand and said cheerfully, “Alyssa, we’ll go ahead to the malt, Once your dad finishes his work, he’ll come join us, alright?”
Seeing Alyssa’s quiet agreement Jaclyn turned to Keith and said, “Mr. Brannon, see you later”
Keith nodded. “Wright.”
At the mall, Jaclyn brought Alyssa to the play zene Alyssa clung tightly to Jaclyn’s hand, her small frame shrinking behind Jaclyn.
Children darted back and forth through the brightly colored playground, and flickering lights danced across every surface, overwhelming Alyssa‘ senses. Her tiny fingers tightened their grip, her lips pressed into a ne
Jaclyn gently pulled Alyssa out from behind and coaxed, “Look, there are so many kids. Alyssa, why don’t you join them!”
Alyssa’s eyes flickered uncertainly. The colorful lights blurred in her vion Into pulsing blobs, while the running children looked more like Bickering shapes than real people. It all made her feel even more frightened.
Seeing Alyssa still stand behind her, Jaclyn began to grow impatient, thinking. Why is this kid so hard to handle?”
Without warning, she gave Alyssa a small shove, pushing her into the ball pit
Alyssa stumbled, nearly falling, her face clouded with fear
Jaclyn encouraged her. “See? All the other kids are playing too. Go have fun with them, Alyssa
Alyssa glanced back at Jaclyn, then down at the sea of plastic balls. She shook her bead and didn’t move an inch.
Jaclyn f
frowned and said, “Alyssa be a good girl. Go ahead. I’m right here watching you.”
Alyssa hesitated for a moment, then finally gave a timid nod and slowly made her way toward the ball pit.
Not long after, Jaclyn’s attention was drawn by a long line forming nearby–it was in front of a trendy cal. Jaclyn wanted to grab one, and she thought, ‘She’ll be fine for a few minutes. What could possibly go wrong?”
She glanced back to check that Alyssa hadn’t noticed her. Then she quietly stepped away and began walking toward the cale
The children’s laughter and squeals blended into a chaotic wall of noise that Alyssa couldn’t fier. It was overwhelming, making her unsettled.
Her steps grew smaller as she wandered to a corner behind a giant stuffed animal Curling her body inward, she hid hersel
1/2
Chapter 52
Elsewhere in the mall, Serena and her best friend Kristy were browsing for clothes. Kristy was cheerfully trying on one pretty dress after another, while Serena offered her ideas with amusement,
“Seri, what do you think of this one? Doesn’t it make me look super curvy Kristy asked excitedly.
Serena examined the dress and smiled, “Very pretty Makes your skin look even airer.”
Pleased, Kristy spun in front of the mirror and then picked up a sapphire blue dress, “What about this one I think it’s gorgeous too.”
Serena nodded. “That one suits your vibe perfectly. The color brings aut t your confidence.”
“Great. I’ll take both, Kristy said without hesitation while turning to the saleswoman.
After paying, she linked arms with Serena and said, “Let’s go check out shoes next. I’m treating myself today.”
As they left the boutique, chatting about Alyssa while heading toward the escalator, Serena glanced down casually, only to stop short.
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