Travis has now been caring for Perdita for a few weeks, and things have been going well. One night on his way home the world around him seemed to settle into a comforting hum, each passerby wrapped in their own lives and concerns. As he neared a bus stop, A little girl sat on the bench. Tears where streaming down her face. Something within him stirred, an instinctive empathy that compelled him to approach her.

“Hey there,” he said gently, stopping a few feet away.

“Are you alright?” She looked up at Travis, quickly whiping away her tears from her face.

”I’m fine.” She replied, unable to hide the small tremble in her voice. Travis took a seat beside her, offering a warm smile. "It's okay to be upset. Do you want to talk about it?” She sighed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"My parents just split up, and I couldn't stand being near the house. Everything feels so... messed up.”

“I'm really sorry to hear that. Sometimes life throws us challenges we don't expect. But you know, it's important to remember that things will get better. You seem like a strong young woman, you'll get through this.”

They talked as Travis listened, offering comfort and reassurance. He shared stories from his own life, his words carrying the weight of experience and understanding. After a while, he noticed that the girl's tears had subsided, replaced by a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

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When they stood up to leave, Travis walked her back to her house, his presence a silent promise that she wasn't alone. As they approached the front door, a woman rushed out, her eyes wide with concern.

"Emma!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and worry.

“Where have you been? I was so scared.”

The little girl, Emma, looked up at her mother and offered a shy smile.

“I'm sorry, Mom. I just needed some fresh air.” Travis stepped forward, a sense of familiarity tugging at his mind as he looked at the woman before him.

”Thank you so much for bringing Emma home, My name is Lily.”

“Why did that name feel familiar?” He thought to him self. Lily's eyes met Travis's, and she studied him for a moment, a flicker of recognition in her gaze.

“Don't I know you from somewhere?” His mind raced, memories just beyond his grasp.

“No, I don't think so,” he replied, his voice unsure.

“I'm just glad Emma's safe.” Lily smiled gratefully.

“Thank you for bringing her back. Please, come in for some tea or coffee. It's the least I can do.” Travis hesitated, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He knew he was tired and needed rest, but there was something about Lily, something that tugged at his memory. He shook his head gently.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I should head home. It's been a long day.” As he walked away, the memory of Emma's smile lingered in his thoughts, coupled with a feeling of familiarity with Lily, a sudden sensation swept over him. A memory, elusive yet vivid, played in the corners of his mind—a snapshot of childhood, of laughter in a yard, of a young girl with a radiant smile.

”Catch me if you can Tristen!” The young girl said. The memory of Emma's smile lingered in his thoughts, coupled with a fleeting feeling of familiarity with Lily. But Travis dismissed it—perhaps it was just the situation playing tricks on his mind. And with a determined step, he continued on his way, leaving behind the echoes of a feeling he couldn't quite explain.