The evening air was crisp as Serena rushed through the streets, her heart pounding with guilt. She had been late—too late. The work had piled up, and her boss had refused to let her leave until she had completed it all. Every ticking second had felt like a stab to her heart, knowing Leo was waiting.
By the time she reached the small shop where she had instructed him to wait, she found him sitting patiently on the bench outside, his tiny hands clutching a bag of candies and small toys. Relief washed over her, but it was immediately followed by guilt.
"Leo," she called out, breathless, dropping to her knees in front of him. "I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to be this late."
Leo looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes before offering a small smile. "It’s okay, Mommy. I wasn't alone."
