Chapter 3: A Truth Buried in Winter
Emma held the faded photograph with both hands as though it might disappear.
"I remember..."
she whispered.
"A song."
"She used to sing before bedtime."
The man's eyes widened.
It had been the same lullaby his sister sang every night.
There was no doubt anymore.
She was Emma.
Before anyone could speak again, another voice echoed from the alley.
"There she is!"
Three rough-looking adults rushed toward them.
The homeless girl froze.
Fear flooded her face.
She immediately hid behind the girl in the camel coat.
"They make me beg."
"They hit me if I don't bring enough money."
The man's expression changed instantly.
The warmth vanished.
Only cold determination remained.
He stepped forward.
"You've been using a child."
One of the men laughed.
"She's nobody."
"No family."
"No one will miss her."
The man quietly reached into his pocket and made a single phone call.
"I found my niece."
"And I found the people who stole her childhood."
Within minutes, police cars filled the narrow street.
The three kidnappers tried to run.
They never made it to the corner.
As officers led them away in handcuffs, Emma buried her face against her uncle's coat.
May you like
For the first time in years...
She felt safe
