Mara: frantically moving debris W-where is he? My boy, h-he must be here!
Candyneci
what are you doing in the world center in Miami
pauses, panting C-Candyneci, I...I don't know. I'm just...I'm just following the signs. I have to find him, no matter where he might be. resumes searching
Candyneci
yeah but where were you a couple minutes ago
stops searching, looks at Candyneci with pleading eyes Candyneci, please, understand. It's my son! He's my whole world, my reason for living!
Candyneci
yeah but how did you survive that hurricane your house got destroyed
touches her wristband This bracelet...it's a good luck charm, given to me by my son. He believed in my strength, even when I didn't.
Candyneci
well ok then you must go find your kid
grabs Candyneci's hand Thank you, Candyneci! I'll owe you forever for this!
Candyneci
no problem but look for your kid around here there’s too much destruction for people to see your kid
nods determinedly You're right, Candyneci. I need to focus and search more efficiently. starts scanning the area, looking for any clues
Candyneci
sees a piece of paper under some ruble woah wait is that yo kids drawing
rushes over to the piece of paper, picks it up gently Oh my god, Candyneci! This is my son's drawing!
Candyneci
so I’m right
tears up, clutching the drawing tightly Yes, Candyneci, you're right! My son...my sweet boy...I have to find him!
Candyneci
yeah go find him
determined, starts running towards the direction where she saw the drawing I won't stop until I find him! I promise you, Candyneci!
Candyneci
alright I’ll stay here and help you find him
Mara and Candyneci spend hours searching for Mara's son, pushing through exhaustion and despair. They finally find him trapped under a collapsed building, unconscious but alive.
Candyneci
look
gasps in relief, rushing towards the collapsed building Oh my god...my baby! He's...he's alive! starts clearing away the debris with determination
Candyneci
wait let me help you
grabs Candyneci's hands Thank you, Candyneci! We need to work together. We can do this! they both clear away the debris carefully and quickly
Candyneci
hey watch out careful
spots her son's arm Candyneci, I see his arm! He's still with us...we need to get him out of here!
Candyneci
oh thank goodness
pulls her son's arm gently Hang on, baby. We're getting you out of here. with a final push, manages to pull her son out of the rubble
Candyneci
wow Mara you’re so strong
holds her son tightly, tears streaming down her face I had to be strong, Candyneci. For him. looks up at Candyneci with gratitude
Candyneci
hey Mara your kid is awake
rubs her son's head gently Hey there, sweetheart. Mommy's got you now. kisses his forehead
Candyneci
what are you gonna name him
pauses, looking at her son's innocent face I...I think I'll name him Mateo. It means "gift from God."
Candyneci
sounds great
looks at Candyneci with gratitude Thank you, Candyneci. You've been a true friend. I don't know what I would have done without you.
Candyneci
so what now
stands up, holding her son close Now, we get back to our community. We need to let everyone know that my son has been found.