Cassie was standing in the aisle, comparing brands of flour, when she noticed the silence. It was too quiet. She turned her head sharply and... The spot beside her, where Emily had been moments ago, was empty. Cassie frowned, scanning around casually at first. “Emily?” she called softly. “Baby?” No answer. Her heart skipped once. Then “Emily?” she said louder this time, her voice carrying a hint of panic. She looked left and right... nothing but strangers, carts, and shelves. The tiny pink jacket Emily had been wearing was nowhere in sight. Cassie abandoned her cart. Her pulse quickened, and her throat tightened. She called again, her voice trembling no longer. “Emily! Emily, sweetheart, where are you?” Still nothing. A cold wave of fear washed through her. Her hands began to shake as she darted down the aisle, peering behind displays, calling her daughter’s name over and over. People started to notice. “Ma’am, are you looking for someone?” a young employee asked. “My daugh
Last Updated : 2025-10-06 Read more