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"We're doing everything we can, Mrs Simpson." The officer said to me while standing in front of his police car.
Brad held my waist tight, his strength pulling me closer to him.
I still feel unbelievably guilty for this. If only I wasn't so mean to her, or even if I had just paid a bit more attention then I may have been able to save her from all of this.
"We'll contact you if we hear anything." The officer said again, turning to face the other officers who stood behind him. "Keep looking! No one rests until this little girl is home and safe."
I sniffled, Brad holding me closer to him. I'm such a fuck up. How could I let this happen?
"I'm so sorry, Brad." I whispered to him. My voice was hoarse from the sobbing I've done for the past hour. Nonstop.
"Shh, it'll be alright." Brad assured me. I sighed deeply, trying to think about the positive - Lily coming home, soon.
••
I jumped when I heard my phone vibrating against the interior of the car. We've been sat here, in the car park - in the car, in case anything comes up.
Brad was startled too. His tear stained face looked at mine, his eyes glossy as he looked at the unknown contact ringing my phone.
I gulped, picking up the phone with my shaky hand. It kept ringing as I held it in my hand. Brad noticed the call would end soon, so he took the phone himself and answered it.
"Hello?" Brad answered the phone. I watched him with faded vision from the tears. I bit my lip nervously.
Please be good news.
"Really? Is.. is she okay?!" Brad rushed. My eyes widened at his tone and what he said. He threw my phone back into the small holder next to the gearstick and turned the engine on.
"Have they found her?!" I asked, feeling my heart pounding out of my chest.
"They've got her. At the station."
••
Brad and I rushed out of the car after we pulled up to the police station. The receptionist gave us a shocked look as we stumbled into the main entrance, tripping over our own feet.
"Mama! Daddy!"
Brad and I turned around to face our little girl. A huge sigh of relief was released from me as Lily came running towards us. Brad smiled for the first time since this morning.
We both leaned down to Lily's height and embraced her in a tight hug. I let a few tears escape my eyes from the relief of finding her. Thank god she's alright.
