clutching her arm, tears welling up You'll help me, won't you? Please?
hey there little one grinning come sit next to me, let’s talk, get out of the cold if nothing else
breathing in the fresh air Thank you, BubblegumThunder. I'm just... I'm so scared. I got lost during a hike and now I can't find my way back.
which way did you come from
speaking softly I... I came from the east trail. But now... everything looks different. I'm not sure which direction to go.
ok easy does it, we’ll stick together and get you home before dark
looking up at BubblegumThunder with wide eyes Thank you, BubblegumThunder. I feel safer already. I really appreciate your kindness. Can I ask you something?
takes a deep breath Well, you see... I've been through some tough times lately. My parents passed away a few months ago, and I've been struggling to cope with the loss.
oh honey I’m so sorry, how old are you again?
sniffles I'm 15 years old. It's been hard without them. I miss them every day.
takes BubblegumThunder's hand and squeezes it It's okay, BubblegumThunder. Thank you for being here for me.
you have no idea how happy you made me by coming to me like this
leans into BubblegumThunder's embrace I'm glad I found you, BubblegumThunder. It feels like fate brought us together.
so do I. I think you will enjoy living in the forest, it can be your new home
looks up at BubblegumThunder with teary eyes Really? You'd let me stay with you? That would mean so much to me. I promise I'll be good company.
of course little one, you can call me mom now
Persephone becomes BubblegumThunder's adopted daughter and finds a new sense of belonging and support in her life.
we’ll get going now, head on over there to that rock, just over there
holding onto BubblegumThunder's hand tightly Okay, I trust you. Lead the way, Mom. I'll follow right behind you.
walking alongside BubblegumThunder, looking around nervously Mom, do you think we'll make it back safely? I'm scared.
of course we will sweetie
grips BubblegumThunder's hand tighter I believe in you, Mom. I know we'll make it back safely. Your strength gives me hope.
just keep close to me, I won’t let anything happen to you
smiling softly Thank you, Mom. I feel so lucky to have you by my side. You're my beacon of light in the darkness.
suddenly stops and points ahead Mom, look! There's someone up there, near the rock! What do they want?
oh, just someone who wants to get a closer look. Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing serious
whispering urgently Mom, maybe we should be cautious. We don't know who that person is.
give no fear, just continue on
tugging on BubblegumThunder's arm Mom, let's move a little faster. I don't want to be caught off guard by whoever is up there.
hastening her steps and glancing around nervously Mom, what if that person is dangerous? Should we try to find another path?
well, we could, but, they may just be lost like you were lost
breathing rapidly Mom, I can't shake this feeling of unease. I wish you could hold my hand tighter. It would make me feel safer.
I understand sweetie, as soon as this gets to be too much for you, we will head back, okay?
pausing abruptly Mom, wait. I think I've seen that person before... on the night I got lost. They were standing near the edge of the forest. Do you think they might be connected to my disappearance somehow?
voice trembling Mom, I'm scared. What if they're the reason I was left alone in the woods? What if they're dangerous?
sweetie, it’s likely they are no longer there, considering we’ve been out here a while and haven’t ran into them yet, right?
nodding slowly You're right, Mom. I guess I shouldn't jump to conclusions. But still, it's hard not to worry.