rly

Maybe it was because it had been so long since I'd been here... or maybe

und below slowly shrink as we ascended the sky. Buildi

ty coiled deep in my stomach one I knew had nothing to do with flying a plane. I took slow, measured breaths

here, and despite myself, I felt a flicker of awe. Tall buildings. Brighter lights. A new kind of movement. But the amazement didn't last long b

ded a cab, giving the driver the address of the hotel I had booke

an was

say then find out who was involved in taking my son

the truth behind his death and

t planning to stay

r paying my fare, I stepped out and approached the bright-faced receptionist at the front desk

after a long, warm shower which j washed away the exhaustion clinging to my bones then returned back into the ro

ting him know I was back in the country. After that, restlessness settl

s city and I wanted to see how much

moved along-new structures, familiar corners that felt strangely distant now. After a lot of sightseeing through some of the

I had always lo

ething empty inside me. It gave me a strange sense of fulfillment and I knew my tour wouldn't

n of different races and colors ran around freely, their joy contagious. The s

my eyes drifted to the f

staring at the other kids with sad and gloomy look o

frame was. He was cute really cute yet looked fragile in a way that made my chest ache. And there was something

he playing wi

ed him and before I could stop myself I

softly, giving a smal

y, surprise flickering across his face at my unfamiliar presence

y," I said gently

ssessing, like he was trying to figure me out. It was strange. Most kids

g returned... that he

ou don't want t

he said

a brow, s

Liam," he

e name. So, Liam... can I ask why you

ed because I didn't get him but as if understanding my con

eft hand, and only then did I notice the

ered completel

d... I'm

suddenly called from b

ed woman approaching, a fro

ut talking to strangers?" sh

m said quickly. "She's just a

d to toe, cautious and alert and after a moment--after she

dear. I'

smile as I stretched out my hand.

dded. "You know how it is... Liam is a bit d

nd," I nodd

"If you don't mind

at, she

ing. Closer now, I caught the longing in his gaze, the way his fingers curl

unate boy to think life had robbed him of his childh

s," I said softly after a while trying t

t up almost

e?" His voice trembled with

warmed again with his smile. "Jus

ealed

ng low. For the first time that day, he laughed freely. And when my phone buzzed with a

ad to leave but

?" he asked suddenly just as I stood to le

st tig

was here on a mission. And I di

dn't break

. Our eyes met his deep green ones searching mi

ed again at that.

nny Marcy," I said

ide. She approached me mom

re such a kind person. It's been so

s and I'm grateful I cou

I turned

ling down a cab, an ear-piercing suddenl

ely only the be welcome by a scene that