Reverie

02 - ignorance is bliss

G I U L A

"Higher mommy! Higher!" I squealed as she pushed me on the swings. I feel like I could touch the sky right now. My mother's melodious laugh made my smile stretch wider across my face. I giggled as I gripped the chains tightly, feeling the wind rush past my face. 

I turned my head to meet my mom's face expecting a warm joyous smile in return. But instead, her smile had vanished and was replaced with a face of panic that made my heart drop.

 "Mommy?" I called out confused. 

Suddenly, the sound of sirens grew louder and more clear to my ears. The flashing lights broke the happy moment and reality set in. 

My mom's eyes darted to the police cars that sped through traffic and to the park. The swing slowed down to the point where my feet reached the ground. 

My mom turned to me and knelt down to my eye level. "Lulu listen to me," Her voice was urgent and trembling. "I need to go baby, but I'll be back ok? I'll be back for you." She kissed my forehead and before I could say anything, she turned around and ran. She ran as fast as she could. 

My hand reached out to her as I kept calling her to come back for me but she was too far.  I directed my eyes towards the police cars that screeched to a halt. Multiple officers exited their cars and spread out on the park, shouting demands. 

I sat frozen on the swing seat as an officer approached me. "Hey little one, are you alright?" He asked softly. Tears welled up in my eyes threating to spill out.

"What's happening? Why did my mommy leave me?" My voice shook from the sobs that left my body. "It's alright dear, where did your mommy go?" He asked me redirecting my questions. I pointed in the direction she ran not knowing what else to do. 

He shouted to the other officers to go as he stayed with me. 

"My name is Officer James Ryan, can you come with me?" I hesitated. What if he's a bad guy? "It's ok, you can trust me." The officer encouraged me with a sympathetic smile and extended his hand for me to hold. 

I took his hand as he led me to the blue and red flashing car. Maybe he's taking me back to mommy?

"Gia?"

I jolted forward, awaking from my sleep by a gentle hand on my shoulder. My eyes were groggy but I recognized Officer Ryan's face lined with concern.

 "What's going on? Why are you here?" 

He was kneeling beside the couch while I sat up on the pillow. "I'm really sorry Gia," He said softly. I glanced past him to see multiple unfamiliar faces around my home. Detectives and officers spread out taking notes and putting evidence tabs. I also glanced at the clock to read 12PM.