Reuben followed behind Joyce, looking around. "Strange, why is she alone here? Did she get separated from her family?"
"I'll ask," Joyce thought the same.
She crouched down, using the gentlest tone and a soft voice. "Little one, why are you crying? Is there something I can help with?"
The little girl stopped crying and slowly raised her head.
Her big eyes were filled with glistening tears.
When she saw Joyce, she stopped sobbing and stared at her intently.
In that instant when Joyce saw the little girl raise her head, she was instantly stunned.
What a beautiful little girl, so delicate and lovely. Her big eyes, with their dark pupils, seemed to reflect the figure of a person. Every feature on her face was exquisitely refined.
Most importantly, why did she feel such a strong sense of familiarity? Looking at the little girl, she was reminded of Anderson from her childhood. It had to be said that they shared many similarities in their features. It made her think of her missing daughter, Iris. Imagining that if Iris had grown up, she might look similar to the little girl in front of her.
Joyce's lips trembled slightly. The little girl had been crying and calling out "Mommy" in a soft, pitiful voice, filled with fear and terror. It almost broke Joyce's heart.
This little girl had a mother.
Joyce asked gently, "Little one, are you unable to find your mommy?"
The little girl nodded, then shook her head.
Joyce was taken aback. What did it mean to nod and then shake her head?
"Do you know your mommy's phone number?" Joyce asked again.
The little girl shook her head.
"How about I take you to the lost and found center in the department store? We can broadcast a message there to find your mommy, okay?" Joyce took out a tissue from her bag and handed it to the little girl. "Don't be afraid, I'll protect you if we encounter any bad people."
The little girl took the tissue, wiped her tears, and then wiped her runny nose.
She suddenly stared at Joyce, looking left and right.
Finally, she stood up abruptly and pushed Joyce forcefully. "No, you're wrong. You're a bad person! Mommy said you're the worst woman in the world! Stay away from me!"
Joyce was taken aback, unable to react in time. Afraid of hurting the little girl, she had to step back.
The little girl ran away in front of her, heading towards the depths of the aisle.
Joyce stood up, about to chase after her.
Reuben stopped her. "She doesn't appreciate it, why do you insist on getting close?"
"She's just a child, and it's dangerous for her to be alone in the department store." Joyce shook off Reuben's hand. "Don't stop me, I must help her find her parents. Otherwise, I'll have to call the police."
"You're overthinking it, she has already found them," Reuben pointed to the end of the corridor.
Joyce followed Reuben's direction and looked over.
She saw a woman in black picking up the little girl from earlier. The little girl had a smile on her face as she reached out and hugged the woman's neck.
Indeed, the little girl had found her mommy.
Joyce breathed a sigh of relief.
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