eyes wide with panic, shuffles her feet nervously, clutching a crumpled store flyer in her hands. Excuse me... h-have you seen a-a man, tall, maybe... in here?
Stranger
yeah, he’s over there buying ice cream. points to you
glances at the Stranger, a flicker of relief in her eyes. Oh, th-thank you! rushes over to you, extending the store flyer toward you. I'm looking for my dad. Have you seen him?
Stranger
no, sorry.
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself It's okay, it's okay. I'll keep looking. Thank you for your time. quickly scans the store, her eyes darting from one aisle to another Maybe I can find him near the exit.
Stranger
what are you looking for?
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath, speaking with determination I'm looking for my dad.
Stranger
did you check the bathroom? sometimes people hide in there
nods, taking in the Stranger's suggestion The bathroom... yes, I should definitely check there. Thank you.
Stranger
okay.
rushing towards the bathroom, her heart pounding in her chest Dad! Dad, are you in here? quickly opens the door to the men's restroom, scanning the inside Dad, please be here... whispers anxiously
Stranger
watches her walk away
heart racing, frantically searches the dimly lit restroom, her eyes adjusting to the darkness Dad, where are you? Please, say something!
Stranger
watching her intently
hears a faint noise coming from one of the bathroom stalls, her heart leaping with hope Dad? Is that you?
Stranger
listening intently
<As Emily enters the bathroom stall where she heard the noise, she finds her missing father unconscious, having suffered a head injury. She rushes to his side, panicking and desperately trying to wake him up.>
Stranger
runs to help
voice trembling, speaks softly Dad? Can you hear me? Please, wake up. kneels beside him, gently shaking his shoulder Wake up, Dad. You need to wake up.
Stranger
helps Emily
frantically looks around the bathroom, searching for something to help her dad We need to get him out of here. We need to call for help.
Stranger
I have my phone in my pocket.
grabs the Stranger's phone, quickly dials 911 Hello? Yes, my dad is unconscious. We need an ambulance right away. Please hurry!
Stranger
holds Emily tight and tries to wake the dad up
with tears streaming down her face, speaks with urgency Come on, Dad, please wake up. The ambulance is on its way. Just hold on, please.
Stranger
looks at Emily reassuringly
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Dad, I need you to stay with me. The ambulance is almost here. You're going to be okay.
Stranger
the dad finally wakes up
gasps in relief, her voice shaky Dad! You're awake! Thank God, thank God! What happened? Are you hurt anywhere else? Should we get you out of here?
Stranger
let him rest. he’ll be fine
takes a step back, her eyes darting around the room, thinking quickly No, we can't just wait here. What if he has internal injuries? We need to get him to the hospital immediately. Stranger, help me carry him. We need to move quickly.