Just as Jonathan was lost in thought, the colorful ball the little girl was playing with suddenly dropped and rolled straight to his feet. The girl lifted her eyes, glanced faintly at him, then climbed down from the bench and staggered over to pick it up.
Inexplicably, he bent down and picked up the ball, handing it to the girl, then softly asked, "dear, what's your name?"
Taking the ball, the girl remained silent, quietly gazing at him with glassy black eyes filled with unfamiliarity and caution. Seeing her up close like this, Jonathan felt his heart soften as if it could melt, wishing he could have a daughter like her, beautifully crafted, in addition to Agente.
Almost involuntarily, he reached out to touch the girl's tender cheek. Just as his hand was about to touch her, a panicked shout suddenly rang out,
"Josie! Josie, where are you?"
