LOST IN THE CROWD

Chapter 5: Lost in the Crowd

Saturday arrived faster than Lucas wanted.

The city woke up bright and loud, dressed in banners and flashing screens. The long awaited TV series launch was finally here, and the venue buzzed with excitement. Cameras were already set, reporters gathered in groups, and fans filled the streets outside the grand hall.

Lucas stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuff of his dark suit. His face was calm, but inside, his thoughts were restless.

Behind him, Leo sat quietly on the bed, his small legs swinging. He wore a neat little outfit chosen carefully by the nanny. His eyes were open, but distant, as if his mind was somewhere far away.

Lucas turned and leaned down in front of him.

"You'll stay close to me daddy today, okay?" he said softly. Leo did not reply. He only nodded once, slowly.

The nanny smiled gently. "He's had been calm since today."

Lucas stood up and took a deep breath. Calm did not always mean safe. He had learned that the hard way.

Marcus knocked and entered the room, already holding a tablet.

"The cars are ready sir,security is in place.We should leave now."

Lucas nodded. "Let's go."

The venue was overwhelming.Music played loudly, lights flashed, and voices blended into one endless sound. People turned to look the moment Lucas arrived. Cameras clicked, Someone called his name, another waved.Lucas tightened his grip on Leo's small hand.

Leo walked beside him quietly, his fingers curled tightly around Lucas's. His eyes moved around, he was nervous . His breathing grew shallow.Lucas noticed immediately.

"It's okay, he whispered, bending slightly. "I'm here.

Leo nodded again, but his grip tightened.

They were led inside, through long hallways and into the main area. A red carpet stretched across the floor. Actors stood posing for pictures. Fans screamed names. Everything felt too big,too loud.

Lucas felt Leo pull back slightly.

He turned, but Marcus was suddenly beside him, speaking urgently.

"Sir, the director needs you for a quick word before the opening."

Lucas hesitated. "Leo..."

"I'll stand right here," Marcus said quickly. "He won't move."

Lucas looked down.Leo was still there, Still holding his hand.

"I'll be back," Lucas said, squeezing Leo's fingers once more.

Leo looked up at him. For a moment, there was something close to fear in his eyes.

Lucas paused but the cameras turned toward him, and people were waiting.

"I'll be right back," he repeated, then he let go and walked away.

Minutes passed.

Then more minutes.

Marcus got a call and moved away to get the call. He came back and found out that Leo was gone.

"Leo?" Marcus called, his voice suddenly tight.

He scanned the area quickly. Children weren't common at events like this, but the crowd was thick. People moved constantly, blocking views, changing paths.

Marcus's heart dropped.

"Leo?" he called again, louder this time.

Still couldn't find him.

Marcus pulled out his phone. "Security, we have a situation."

Lucas was in the middle of a short discussion when he noticed the shift in the room. The noise changed,people whispered,security guards moved quickly.

Then Marcus appeared he looked pale.

"Sir," Marcus said, barely steady, "Leo is missing."

The world stopped.

"What?" Lucas asked, his voice sharp.

"He was right there. I swear. I looked away for a second ...."

Lucas didn't wait. He turned and walked fast, then faster, his long steps cutting through the crowd.

"Leo!" he called.

Panic rose in his chest, hot and painful. His heart pounded loudly in his ears.

Not again.

Please, not again. Outside, near a quieter corner of the venue, Lyra stood near the exit.

She had come for the launch because she loved the series. It was something small she had been looking forward to a break from stress.

But the noise was too much,the crowd pressed in,Her head hurt.

"I'll just leave early,"she whispered to herself.

She turned toward the exit.

That was when she saw him.

A little boy stood alone near a large poster. He looked about five years old. His clothes were neat, but his shoes were slightly loose, as if he had been walking for a while.

His eyes were big and glassy.

He held a small notepad tightly to his chest.

Lyra’s steps slowed, her heart clenched.

She approached him carefully and bent down to his level.

"Hey little one", she said softly. "Are you lost?"

The boy didn't speak. He looked at her, then down at his notepad. Slowly, he opened it and showed her a page.

On it, written in shaky letters, were the words:

I'm looking for my daddy.

Lyra's chest tightened.

"ooh that's okay," she said gently. "We'll find him."

The boy's lips trembled.

Lyra reached into her bag and pulled out a small teddy bear. It was worn but clean. She always carried it a habit she had formed, one she never explained.

She held it out, "this is for you,it will help us find daddy."

The boy hesitated, then reached for it and hugged it tightly.

He leaned into her, his small body shaking.

"It's okay," Lyra whispered, rubbing his back. "You're safe." Across the hall, Lucas pushed through the crowd, his eyes scanning every face.

"Leo!" he shouted.

Security guards searched nearby rooms. People began to notice. Whispers spread quickly.

Then Lucas saw a small shape near the exit.

A child.

His heart skipped.

He moved closer, pushing past people.

Then he saw her. A woman was kneeling in front of the boy. She was speaking softly, her hand on his back. The boy clutched a teddy bear and leaned into her as if she were his whole world.Lucas froze. Something about her felt eerily familiar.

He couldn't see her face clearly. Her hair fell forward, hiding it as she bent close to Leo.

But his chest tightened.

Why does this feel like déjà vu?

He took a step closer trying to confirm his suspicions.

"Leo,"he said, his voice breaking.The boy lifted his head.His eyes lit up.

He rushed forward, dropping to his knees, pulling Leo into his arms.

"I'm here," he breathed. "I'm here."Leo clung to him tightly.

Lucas looked up.

For a split second, their eyes almost met but the crowd shifted, and someone bumped into her.

She stepped back instinctively.

Lucas blinked.

When he looked again, she was already turning away, disappearing into the moving crowd.

He never saw her face.But the feeling stayed, strong and unshaken.

And somewhere deep inside him, something whispered.

This isn't the last time.