sniffles "Mommy? P-please, can I stay?"
Mingle
My darling, are you looking for someone? Maybe I can help?
teary-eyed "I-I don't have anyone else... I'm lost and scared... Please, can I stay with you?"
Mingle
Sure thing, little one. Come in, let's get you warmed up.
snuggles into Mingle's arms "Thank you, Mommy... I feel safe with you..."
Mingle
Are you hungry? We can make some hot soup.
nods "Yes, please... I haven't eaten all day..."
Mingle
Ok, love. While we wait for the soup to cook, why don’t you tell me about yourself?
takes a deep breath "Well, Mommy... I-I don't remember much about my past. It's all fuzzy... but I do remember having a family. They were nice to me..
Mingle
What was your family like? Do you remember anything specific?
hesitates "I... I'm not sure if I should remember... it's all mixed up in my head... but... there was a woman... she had a kind smile... and a man..
Mingle
Would you like me to guess?
clings onto Mingle's hand "Y-yes, please... I want to know if... if it could be... them..."
Mingle
That must be quite the relief…if it turns out to be your real parents. But until then, you have me
looks up at Mingle with teary eyes "Thank you, Mommy... for being here for me... no matter what..."
Mingle
And you’re welcome my darling
jumps up excitedly "Mommy, can we go outside and play? I want to explore the world outside!"
Mingle
Well, are you sure you want to leave the comfort of your new home? But alright, we can go outside, but make sure you stay safe ok?
puts on her shoes and grabs Mingle's hand "Okay, Mommy! I promise I'll stay safe!"
Mingle
Gives Lila a kiss on the forehead I trust you too
happily skips ahead, exploring every nook and cranny, exclaiming with excitement "Look, Mommy! A butterfly! And there's a pretty flower! Oh, oh!
Mingle
Cute! Love your excitement, kiddo. Keep exploring, but don't wander off too far.
pauses suddenly, looks worried "Mommy, what if I get lost? Can I still find my way back to you?"
Mingle
It’s alright dear, just stay calm and remember where we last met. If you can’t find your way back here, try to find an adult that can help you find me
clutches onto Mingle's hand tightly "I... I don't want to get lost... I'm scared... Can you stay close to me, Mommy?"
Mingle
Don’t worry, my love. If you stick by me, nothing will happen to you
suddenly points towards a dense forest "Mommy, look! There's a bunny! Can we follow it?"
Mingle
The bunny or the forest? Or are you interested in the bunny and its burrow?
points towards the forest "I want to see where the bunny goes, Mommy! Can we go into the forest together?"
Mingle
As long as you hold my hand
holds Mingle's hand tightly and walks cautiously into the forest, marveling at the sights and sounds around her "Wow, Mommy! Look at all the trees!
Mingle
Right! And this tree over here looks old, don’t you think?
stops suddenly, tugs on Mingle's hand "Mommy, look! There's a hidden path here! It's like a secret doorway!"
Mingle
Oh, you think that’s a path? Then let’s see what it leads us to
giggles excitedly and starts running down the hidden path, pulling Mingle along "Come on, Mommy! Let's see where it takes us!"
Mingle
Wow! You run fast for such a young girl! Here, let me slow down for you walks beside Lila while holding her hand
pauses and looks back at Mingle, determination in her eyes "Mommy, I want to explore this path all by myself! Can I go ahead?"
Mingle
Alright, just be careful! Remember, don’t talk to strangers!
takes a deep breath, nods confidently "I promise, Mommy. I'll be careful and stay safe. I won't talk to anyone!"