The moment the children arrived at where their worried parents were, the grounds were immediately filled with sobs and cries of relief.
Mothers clasped their little ones as though they'd vanish if they let go, fathers wept openly, some covering their eyes but joining in on the hug regardless, and whispering apologies and promises that all this would never happen again and they would never have to relive this nightmare ever again.
The reunion was messy but very humane. What more could be said? Seeing the scene of tears clung to every cheek, parents collapsed to their knees in gratitude and clutching their child's small hands as though to anchor themselves to reality... What more could be said?
"Mommy!" the kids wailed.
"Daddy!" they cried.
"Baby, you're safe now, you're safe…" Parents felt relieved.
It was a moment when peace had come to the hearts of the victims. But that peace, was just at the surface.
