Beyond the Headlines

CHAPTER 5

Exterior: Outside the Mall - Afternoon

The bustling crowd outside the mall gradually thins as people trickle away, bags in hand, while the sun begins its descent. Millie and Honey, bags full of shopping finds, are making their way to the parking lot when they spot something unusual—a small girl, no older than six, standing by herself near the entrance. She’s clutching a stuffed bear, looking up at the people around her with wide, uncertain eyes.

Honey immediately notices the girl and slows down, concern knitting her brows.

Honey (softly):
"Hey, Millie, do you see that? She’s alone. That’s not right."

Millie’s gaze follows Honey’s line of sight, her heart sinking. She walks towards the girl, her protective instincts kicking in. Honey’s always been a bit more playful, but Millie’s the one who steps up when it matters.

Millie (kneeling down in front of the girl):
"Hey there. Are you okay?"

The girl’s eyes are glassy, and she doesn’t speak right away. Millie gently reaches out to her, trying to comfort her with a smile. The girl finally nods but doesn’t say anything.

Millie (softly, reassuringly):
"It’s okay. You’re safe now. What’s your name?"

The girl hesitates, but eventually, she answers in a quiet voice.

Girl (shyly):
"Sammy."

Honey (crouching beside Millie):
"Sammy, huh? That’s a beautiful name. Where’s your mommy or daddy?"

The little girl looks around, clearly confused, and then points in the direction of the mall entrance.

Sammy (nervously):
"My daddy was with me… He… he went inside. I was waiting for him."

Millie exchanges a concerned glance with Honey. The girl is clearly scared, but it doesn’t seem like she’s in immediate danger. Millie gently takes Sammy's hand.

Millie (with a soft smile):
"Don’t worry, we’ll help you find him. Okay?"

Honey (glancing around):
"Let’s head back inside. Maybe we can find someone who knows where he is."

The two women stand up, but just as they turn to head back into the mall, a tall, imposing figure strides toward them—dressed in casual yet elegant. His features are well  framed and his presence commands attention. He looks around, his eyes landing on Sammy, and his expression shifts from worry to relief in an instant.

Man (rushing over):
"Sammy! Thank God. I was looking everywhere for you."

He kneels in front of the girl, his tone soft but filled with urgency. Sammy immediately runs into his arms, her fear melting away as she clings to him.

Sammy (sniffling):
"Daddy… I was scared."

Man (hugging her tightly):
"I know, sweetie. I’m so sorry. I should have kept a better eye on you."

Millie and Honey exchange a glance, both relieved to see the reunion.

Man (smiling at them, grateful):
"Thank you so much for helping her. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stepped in."

Millie (smiling):
"It’s no problem at all. We’re just glad she’s okay."

Honey (playfully, with a warm smile):
"Yeah, Kids can get scared easily, especially in a crowd like this."

The man chuckles softly, standing up with Sammy still in his arms. He reaches into his pocket, his demeanor kind but confident.

He thanked them and they went to their respective ways.