The Sheffields were barely finishing up their lunch and getting ready to head back out into the frigid air when Hazel was distracted by a small cry of "Miss Mermaid!"
She whirled around and saw Cara Lansing waving frantically at her from across the cafeteria. Her mother was nowhere in sight. Concerned, Hazel made her way over to the little girl and Will followed suit.
"Cara, where is your mom?"
Her lip trembled and tears filled her eyes. "I don't know. I was holding her hand but then somebody wanted to talk to her and lots of people came so I let go."
Ah. Separated by a crowd. Cara was very lucky she ran into someone she knew who wasn't a threat.
Seeing the kid's vulnerability tugged on her heartstrings. Not wanting the same thing to happen as earlier, Hazel picked her up instead of holding her hand.
"We'll help you find her," she promised.
