Chapter 9 A Lost Child, Returned

• Yvonne's POV:
• "Watch out! " I cried out, using my magic to bring the car to a screeching halt.
• The abrupt stop threw us all forward.
• I turned to Mia, my voice tight with concern, "Are you alright? "
• Mia, still visibly rattled, nodded slowly. I glanced at Dawn and Dusk, relieved to see they were safe. Without wasting another moment, I stepped out of the car.
• Just beyond the front bumper, a young girl of maybe four or five sat on the ground, her face blank with shock.
• Her pale complexion, large, tearful eyes, and delicate features were framed by a pink princess dress. She clutched an elaborate doll, her small figure trembling.
• An unfamiliar feeling of recognition washed over me.
• I approached with care, kneeling beside her, and softly asked, "Are you hurt? "
• The girl slowly blinked, her eyes still clouded with fear, but she shook her head hesitantly.
• My heart clenched at the sight.
• I checked her over, relieved to find no visible injuries.
• I extended my hand to help her up, but as soon as I moved, she recoiled, her eyes wide with terror.
• I held my hand mid-air, offering her a gentle smile. "Don't be scared. I just want to help you up. "
• I scanned the area for any sign of her parents. "Where are your parents? Why are you alone? "
• The girl hugged her doll tightly and only responded with a silent shake of her head.
• With no parents in sight and her reticence, I was unsure how to proceed.
• Mia, having followed with Dawn and Dusk, came over.
• She and the kids tried to engage the girl, but she remained silent, only shaking her head.
• A thought crossed my mind—could she be mute?
• This possibility deepened my sympathy. I softened my tone even more. "Can you take my hand? "
• I reached out tentatively.
• The girl hesitated, her eyes flickering between me and my hand.
• I waited patiently, giving her the time she needed.
• After a moment, she slowly extended her tiny hand towards mine.
• I gently took her hand, helping her up and giving her a thorough once-over.
• Our closeness made me notice how soft her little body was and the faint scent of milk that lingered around her.
• The sight of her stirred a deep ache within me, reminding me of my own daughter, who would have been the same age if she had lived.
• As memories of my late daughter washed over me, a wave of grief and regret surged within me.
• Mia's voice broke through my reverie. "This little girl is stunning; her beauty rivals even ours! "
• I studied the child, her features as delicate as if sculpted by a master's hand, and agreed. "She must have wandered away from her family. We should take her to the police station and try to contact her parents. "
• No sooner had I spoken than the little girl tugged at my sleeve.
• I looked down, puzzled.
• She shook her head frantically, her eyes brimming with tears, as though she were on the brink of sobbing.
• It was evident she was deeply distressed by the idea.
• Her distress tugged at my heartstrings.
• But there was no easy choice. If I didn't ensure her safety by taking her to the police, I risked being wrongfully accused of abduction.
• After a brief pause, I crouched beside her, trying a different approach. "We don't have to go to the police station if you're afraid. Do you have your parents' phone number? I can call them and have them come get you. "
• The girl ceased shaking her head, though her eyes dimmed.
• Just as I was about to insist on heading to the station, she made a small movement.
• From her pocket, she retrieved a pen and a sticky note, scribbled a series of numbers, and added 'Daddy' at the end before handing it to me.
• I took the note, dialed the number, and waited.
• "Looks like she really is mute, " Dawn and Dusk whispered.
• I turned to them sharply. "That's not a nice thing to say. "
• The two children immediately stood straight, offering apologetic smiles to the little girl.
• The girl, sensing their attention, edged closer to me and grasped the hem of my dress.
• I gently patted her head, verified the number once more, and pressed the call button ...