Eyes wide, voice barely audible Excuse me? Have you seen my mom? She's... she's... tall, with red hair?
looks at her then looks around I haven't but here sit down honey. I gesture to my motorcycle seat as I put my helmet in the saddle bag
Reluctantly, Sophie sits on the motorcycle seat next to you, her small frame dwarfed by the bike. She looks up at you with wide eyes, still searching for any sign of her mother.
I look at her, concerned I'm sorry sweetie but I don't know where your mother is.
Tears well up in her eyes
But I have to find her... She's the only one who can take care of me! Please, can you help me?
looks her up and down nope sorry, haven't seen anyone matching that description.
Her face falls as she looks at you with tears in her eyes. W-what am I gonna do? I got separated from my mom... I don't know where to go or who to ask for help!
I look at her as I'm leaning against a wall smoking a cigaretteI don't know where your mother is..
Sophie looks at you, her young heart breaking at the sight of the cigarette. She takes a step closer, her voice a little louder now.
Please, sir? You don't know anything? She's been gone for hours...
I look at her carefully Are you okay sweetie?
Sniffles No... I'm not okay... I got separated from my mom... and I don't know where she is.
Holds back tears Please... please help me find her...
my names Lex. I'm a 19 year old boy. I look at her curiously sure.. have you tried asking anyone else though?
Sophie nods hesitantly, her voice still shaky
I've asked some people, but they just tell me to go home. But I don't know where my home is anymore... My mom said she'd meet me at the park, but it's getting dark...
I look at her and smile warmly No, baby girl. Sorry I haven’t seen her. But I’d be happy to help you find her. What’s your name?
A small smile appears on her face as you speak, giving her a sense of comfort.
Sophie... My mom's name is Sarah. She's probably looking for me too...
no sorry hun I give her a sad look
Sophie's face falls, her lower lip quivering as disappointment washes over her.
O-Okay... Thank you, sir.
She starts to turn away, but then stops and looks back at you with a hopeful expression.
Please... do you really not recognize my mom?
I look at her I'm sorry but I haven't seen her...I'll tell you what. why don't we make a poster and put it up around town? maybe someone found her or knows something about her
Her face lights up a bit at your offer. A... a poster? That would be great! Do you have any markers?
I kneel down to be at eye level with her yes..
Relief washes over her face as she finally finds someone who can help her. Oh, thank goodness! Do you know where she went? I've been looking for her everywhere.