"Mommy... I want Mommy..."
In the car, Josie clung tightly to Maria, like a small kitten abandoned by its owner. She was trembling uncontrollably as she sobbed so hard it seemed like she could barely catch her breath.
"Don't be scared, Josie. We'll see Mommy soon," Maria said softly as she stroked Josie's head, trying to comfort her. "Mommy will always be by your side, and so will Daddy, your brothers, your grandparents, Avery, and me. We'll always be with you."
Josie seemed unable to hear anything Maria said. She just kept crying and calling out for her mother.
Avery sighed quietly and sent a message to her mother, briefly explaining what had happened and letting her know that they were on their way to Carter's Restaurant with Josie.
Claire replied immediately:
[I'll be waiting for Josie at the corner.]
It was rush hour, and although Avery took the best route and drove as fast as she could, it still took over twenty minutes to reach Carter's Restaurant.
