Coming home from a late night shift, Jasper couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw a young girl, no older than five years old, sitting alone on a subway station bench. Quickly looking at his watch, he noticed how it was past midnight and felt the need to know why the girl was just there, waiting. As Jasper approached, the girl clutched a tattered stuffed teddy bear closer to her. When he asked why she was alone, he really couldn’t believe it when she said, “Mommy left with a friend and told me to wait here.”  Jasper was just happy to be going home after a long shift. He had hoped he would be home by ten, but as he looked at his watch, he noticed it was nearly one at night. He got out at his subway stop, ready to walk the final trek to his home, which was only five minutes away. He was practically fantasizing about his bed and the sleep that he desperately needed when those dreams were shattered by a sudden sight.  He had just walked out of the subway onto the platform when he noticed a young girl sitting on one of the benches. He immediately stopped walking when he saw her and immediately glanced toward the clock. What was that girl doing here? Especially at this late of an hour! He looked around, hoping to find the person responsible for her, but found that the girl and himself were the only ones there. The girl seemed to be playing with a tattered, old-looking teddy bear next to her, and he could hear her soft mumbles echoing in the subway station. A part of him just wanted to go home, as this late at night, he couldn’t help but feel creeped out by the girl. It just felt like a scene from a horror movie he had recently watched.  However, Jasper knew better than that. This wasn’t fiction; there wouldn’t be ghosts or something similar if he approached her, and he couldn’t shake the gut feeling that he should. He needed to find out what the girl was doing here, alone, as he might just be able to help. With that in mind, he decided to approach the girl, hoping that his gut feeling was correct.  As soon as he came closer to the girl, she looked up, stopping her mumbling and clutching the teddy bear tighter. He nearly stopped in his tracks because of this. He certainly didn’t want to scare the girl! Jasper immediately showed his hands, trying to communicate that he meant her no harm. “Hey, are you alright?” he started, “where are your Mommy and Daddy?” The girl still looked at him rather apprehensively as she partially hid behind her teddy bear. Jasper was glad about it too; at least the girl wasn’t trusting anyone. “Mommy left with a friend and told me to wait here,” the girl said shyly, but those words only made Jasper more nervous. Who would leave her daughter alone in a subway station in the dead of night? With that, Jasper knew what his next steps were.  Jasper grabbed his phone, believing that it was the best course of action. What if the girl had encountered someone other than him? Like someone weird or even malicious. Jasper didn’t even want to think about it. He just wanted the girl to be safe, and he only knew one number to dial that would ensure that wish.  “911, what is your emergency?” the dispatcher asked as soon as he picked up Jasper’s call. Jasper looked from the girl to the platform around them and knew he was doing the right thing. “Hello, this is Jasper, I am in need of assistance,” he started as he started to explain where he was and what the girl had said. The police would surely be the right people to help him. “I will be sending a unit to your location. Please stay where you are; if there are any other issues you come across, or if a parent arrives to pick up the child, please do not hesitate to call us again, as this is a serious matter,” the dispatcher responded after hearing Jasper’s story. Jasper agreed to this, feeling a sense of responsibility over the girl.  He hung up the phone and walked closer to the girl. She looked at him apprehensively, almost scared, but Jasper immediately crouched down to her level, making sure to shrink himself to make her more comfortable. “I just called someone who might help us find your Mommy,” he started, and at this, the girl’s eyes seemed to light up.  “You will really help me find my Mommy?” she asked, her voice timid as she still hid behind her teddy bear. “Yes, I just finished calling some really nice officers to help us find you, Mom. My name is Jasper. What is yours?” Jasper asked in return as he gently outstretched his hand for her to shake. “I’m Lila,” she said, her tiny hand shaking two of his fingers before sitting back on the bench. Jasper and Lila sat on the cold bench, waiting for the cops to arrive at the subway station. The air was still, and the only sound was the occasional rumble of a distant train. Jasper kept an eye on the entrance, hoping to see his fellow officers soon. “Don’t worry, Lila,” he said gently, “they’ll be here any minute.” Lila nodded, clutching her teddy bear tighter, her eyes wide and watchful. Jasper gently asked Lila why she was alone at the station so late at night, trying to understand her situation. “Lila, can you tell me why you’re here by yourself?” he asked, his voice soft. Lila hesitated, glancing down at her teddy bear before looking back up at Jasper. “Mommy said to wait here,” she whispered, her small voice barely audible. “She left with a friend,” she added, her eyes filling with uncertainty. Lila hesitated but eventually explained she was alone because her mom left with a male friend and told her to wait. “A man came up to us,” Lila began, her voice shaking a little. “Mommy talked to him, and then she said she had to go with him. She told me to stay here and wait for her.” Jasper frowned, feeling a knot of worry in his stomach. Who was this man, and why did he take Lila’s mom away? Jasper asked Lila where they were going before her mother left, wanting to piece together the night’s events. “Lila, do you know where you were heading before your mom left?” he asked gently. Lila nodded, her eyes filled with memories. “We were going to a friend’s house,” she said. “We couldn’t stay at the shelter because it was too late.” Jasper nodded, understanding the situation a bit more. They needed to find this friend. Lila mentioned they had been heading towards a friend’s home after being too late at the homeless shelter. “We tried to get to the shelter, but they were already closed,” Lila explained. “Mommy said we could stay at her friend’s place instead. We were walking there when the man showed up.” Jasper listened carefully, noting each detail. It was clear that Lila’s mom had been desperate, and now they needed to figure out what had happened to her. Lila explained to Jasper that they missed the shelter’s closing time and were going to a friend’s house. “We got there too late,” she said, looking down. “The doors were already locked. Mommy said we’d have to stay with her friend instead.” Jasper nodded, piecing together the night’s events. “So you were heading to this friend’s place when the man showed up?” he asked, trying to gather more details about what happened next. She described how a strange man approached them, leading to her mom’s sudden departure with him. “He came out of nowhere,” Lila said, her voice trembling slightly. “Mommy seemed to know him. They talked for a bit, and then she said she had to go with him. She told me to wait here and that she’d be back soon.” Jasper frowned, wondering who this man was and what he wanted with Lila’s mom. Lila’s mother instructed her to wait on the bench, promising to return soon, but hadn’t come back. “She said she’d be back really soon,” Lila repeated, her voice tinged with hope that had turned into worry. “I waited and waited, but she didn’t come back.” Jasper’s heart ached for the little girl. He glanced at the station entrance again, hoping to see his colleagues. Lila needed answers, and they needed to find her mom. Jasper listened carefully, noting every detail to relay to the police officers when they arrived. “Okay, Lila,” he said gently, “I need to make sure I have everything right. You were heading to a friend’s house, and then this man showed up. Your mom went with him and told you to wait here.” Lila nodded, clutching her teddy bear. “That’s right,” she said quietly. Jasper made a mental note of everything, ready to share it with the officers. He reassured Lila, promising they would find her mom and figure out what happened. “We’re going to find your mommy, Lila,” Jasper said firmly. “I promise you that. The officers are on their way, and they’ll help us. You’re not alone in this.” Lila looked at him with wide, hopeful eyes. “You really think so?” she asked. Jasper nodded confidently. “I know so,” he said, offering her a reassuring smile as they waited. The police officers arrived at the subway station, and Jasper quickly relayed Lila’s story to them. “This is Lila,” he started, gesturing to the little girl beside him. “She’s been waiting here alone since her mom left with a friend.” The officers nodded, their expressions serious as they listened. One officer knelt down to Lila’s level, offering her a gentle smile. “Hi, Lila. We’re here to help you find your mom,” he said softly. The officers listened attentively, jotting down notes and asking Lila a few gentle questions for clarity. “Lila, can you tell us what your mom’s friend looked like?” one officer asked kindly. Lila nodded, describing the man as best as she could. “He was tall and had a big coat,” she said. “Mommy seemed to know him.” The officers exchanged glances, writing down every detail. Jasper felt grateful for their careful handling of the situation. They suggested that Jasper could go home since his police shift had already ended, but he decided to stay, feeling responsible for Lila’s safety. “Thanks, but I’ll stay,” Jasper said firmly. “I want to make sure she’s okay.” The officers nodded, understanding his dedication. Jasper sat back down on the bench next to Lila, giving her a reassuring smile. “We’re going to figure this out together, okay?” he said softly. Jasper’s protective instincts kicked in, and he did not want to leave Lila alone with strangers despite them being police officers and his colleagues. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to be there for her. Lila looked up at him, her eyes filled with trust. “You’ll stay with me?” she asked quietly. Jasper nodded. “I’ll stay, Lila. I won’t leave you.” The officers appreciated Jasper’s decision, knowing it helped Lila feel safe.  The officers appreciated Jasper’s dedication, understanding the need for a familiar face to comfort Lila. “Thanks for staying, Jasper,” one officer said. “It really helps to have someone she knows here.” Jasper nodded, glad to be able to provide some comfort. Lila leaned against him, her small hand gripping his sleeve. “We’ll find your mom,” Jasper promised again, his voice steady. The officers continued their work, ready to take the next steps.  The police officers and Jasper agreed that staying at the cold station wasn’t safe, deciding to move Lila. “It’s too chilly here,” one officer said, looking around the empty platform. Jasper nodded in agreement. “We need to get her somewhere warm.” Lila looked up at them, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Where are we going?” she asked, clutching her teddy bear tighter. Jasper knelt down, ready to explain the next steps to her.  Jasper explained to Lila they would take her to the police station, where it was warm and safe. “We’re going to the police station, Lila,” he said gently. “It’s a safe place, and it’s much warmer there. You’ll be more comfortable.” Lila frowned, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “But what about Mommy? She told me to wait here.” Jasper took a deep breath, preparing to reassure her as best as he could.  Lila started crying, insisting she had to stay to wait for her mommy as instructed. “No! I can’t leave,” she sobbed, her tiny shoulders shaking. “Mommy said to wait here. She’ll come back. I know she will.” Jasper felt a pang of sympathy for the little girl. He knelt beside her, his heart breaking at her distress. “Lila, it’s okay,” he said softly, trying to soothe her fears. “We’ll still look for your mom.  Jasper knelt beside her, gently promising they’d continue looking for her mom at the police station. “We’re not going to stop looking for your mom, Lila,” he assured her. “The police station has everything we need to help find her. You’ll be safe there, and we’ll keep searching.” Lila sniffled, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. “You promise?” she asked, her voice trembling. Jasper nodded firmly. “I promise, Lila. We’re going to find her.”  He held her hand, reassuring her repeatedly, helping her feel secure enough to leave with them. “I’m not going anywhere, okay?” Jasper said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “We’ll go together, and I’ll stay with you the whole time.” Lila nodded slowly, her grip tightening around his hand. “Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll go.” Jasper smiled, feeling a sense of relief. “Good girl, Lila. Let’s get you someplace warm,” he said.  Jasper assured Lila her mommy would pick her up at the police station and promised that another officer would stay at the station in case she came back, trying to ease her worries. “Don’t worry, Lila,” he said gently. “One of the officers will stay here and look out for your mom. If she comes back, they’ll tell her where to find you.” Lila looked at him, her eyes wide with concern, but she nodded slowly.  Lila hesitated, clearly apprehensive about leaving, repeatedly asking if Jasper was sure. “Are you really sure, Jasper?” she asked, her voice small and shaky. “What if Mommy comes back and I’m not here?” Jasper squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I’m sure, Lila. We’ll leave a note for her, and the officer will let her know where to find you. She’ll know you’re safe.” Lila bit her lip, still unsure but trusting Jasper’s words.  Jasper remained patient, confirming over and over that they would find her mom. “We’ll find her, Lila,” he repeated softly. “I promise we won’t stop looking.” Lila looked up at him with teary eyes. “You promise?” she asked again. Jasper nodded, giving her a warm smile. “I promise, Lila. We’re going to find your mom and make sure you’re both okay.” Lila’s grip on his hand tightened, and she nodded slightly, feeling a bit more assured.  Shivering from the cold, Lila eventually agreed to go with them, trusting Jasper’s words. “It’s really cold here,” she said, her voice trembling. “Okay, I’ll go with you.” Jasper smiled, relieved. “Good choice, Lila,” he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to provide some warmth. “Let’s get you somewhere safe and warm.” Lila nodded, holding on to her teddy bear and looking up at Jasper with hopeful eyes.  The group headed to the police station, Jasper holding Lila’s hand, providing comfort and warmth. They walked together, Jasper staying close to Lila’s side. “You’re doing great, Lila,” he said encouragingly. The streets were quiet, the night air crisp. Lila looked around, still clutching her teddy bear. “I hope Mommy’s okay,” she whispered. Jasper squeezed her hand gently. “We’ll find her, Lila. I promise,” he said, guiding her towards the station’s welcoming lights.  At the station, a woman noticed Lila and exclaimed her name with surprise and concern. “Lila? Oh my goodness, Lila!” she said, rushing over. Lila looked up, startled by the sudden attention. The woman’s face was a mix of relief and worry as she knelt down in front of the little girl. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Jasper watched, wondering who this woman was.  Lila looked confused but recognized the woman, calling her “Auntie Jackie,” and ran to her. “Auntie Jackie!” she cried, wrapping her arms around the woman’s neck. Jackie hugged her tightly, smoothing Lila’s hair. “I was so worried about you, Lila,” she said softly. Jasper stepped closer, relieved to see Lila with someone she knew. “Who is she?” he asked gently, wanting to understand the connection between Lila and Jackie.  Jasper asked if they were related, but Jackie explained she was a friend who knew Lila’s mother. “I’m not her aunt by blood,” Jackie said, standing up while keeping an arm around Lila. “I’m a close friend of her mom’s. We’ve known each other for years.” Jasper nodded, understanding a bit more. “Do you have any idea where Lila’s mom might be?” he asked, hoping Jackie could provide some answers.  Jasper inquired if Jackie had a way to contact Lila’s mom, hoping for a breakthrough. “Do you have her phone number or know where she might have gone?” he asked. Jackie shook her head, looking worried. “No, I don’t have her number anymore. She lost her phone a while back,” Jackie explained. “But I’ll help in any way I can. We need to find her.” Jasper sighed, feeling the urgency of the situation.  Jackie told Jasper that she didn’t after Lila went to the shelter but appeared worried and promised to help, providing any information she could about Lila’s mother. “I haven’t heard from her since she went to the shelter,” Jackie said, her voice tinged with worry. “But I’ll tell you everything I know about her. We’ll find her.” Jasper nodded, feeling a bit more hopeful. They needed every bit of information to find Lila’s mom. Jackie asked what happened, and Jasper explained the night’s events and Lila’s story. “I found Lila alone at the subway station,” Jasper began. “She said her mom left with a friend and told her to wait. We called the police, and now we’re trying to find her mom.” Jackie listened intently, her face growing more concerned. “That’s not like her at all,” Jackie said, shaking her head. “She would never leave Lila alone unless she had no other choice.”  Jackie expressed concern, noting it was unlike Lila’s mom to leave her alone unless it was for safety. “She’s always so protective of Lila,” Jackie said, worry etched on her face. “Something must have happened.” Jasper nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “We need to find out what made her leave Lila behind,” he said. Lila clung to Jackie, sensing the seriousness in the adults’ conversation. Jasper felt uneasy, sensing there was more to the story, and asked Jackie to describe Lila’s mother. “Can you give me a description of Lila’s mom?” he asked. Jackie nodded, thinking carefully. “She’s about 5’6”, has dark brown hair, and usually wears it in a ponytail. She has green eyes and a small scar on her right cheek,” Jackie said. Jasper quickly jotted down the details, knowing this information was crucial. Jackie described Lila’s mom in detail from the color of her hair to the shape of her nose, and Jasper immediately sent out the description to all officers. “This is really helpful,” Jasper said, as he relayed the information over the radio. “We’ll get this out to everyone on duty.” Jackie nodded, looking hopeful yet anxious. Lila stayed close to Jackie, feeling a bit safer with someone familiar by her side. The police began searching, using the description to locate Lila’s mother as quickly as possible. Officers were dispatched to various locations, checking nearby shelters and questioning anyone who might have seen her. “We’re going to find her,” Jasper reassured Lila and Jackie. “Everyone’s out there looking.” Lila nodded, still clutching her teddy bear. The station buzzed with activity as the search for Lila’s mom intensified, everyone determined to bring her back safely. Nearly an hour later, an officer called in a sighting matching Jackie’s description of Lila’s mother. Jasper’s radio crackled to life, the voice on the other end urgent. “We’ve got a possible match,” the officer reported. “Brown hair, green eyes, scar on the right cheek. She’s with a man, heading into an old building on Elm Street.” Jasper’s heart raced. “That’s her,” he said to Jackie and Lila. “I need to go now.”  Jasper quickly changed into his uniform, ready to respond to the location immediately. “Stay here with the officers, Jackie,” he instructed, his tone firm. “I’ll bring Lila’s mom back.” Jackie nodded, holding Lila close. Jasper donned his uniform with practiced speed, his mind focused on the task ahead. “Be careful, Jasper,” Jackie called after him. He gave a quick nod, determination set in his eyes as he headed out the door.  Arriving at the scene, Jasper was briefed by the officer, learning Lila’s mother was with a shady-looking man. “They went into that building,” the officer said, pointing to a rundown structure across the street. “The guy she’s with looks suspicious, definitely not someone you’d trust.” Jasper nodded, his gut telling him this situation was more complicated than it seemed. “Stay alert,” he advised. “We need to approach this carefully.”  Jasper’s instincts told him this situation was dangerous and potentially linked to a larger issue. “Something’s not right here,” he muttered to himself. The building looked abandoned, its windows boarded up and the paint peeling. “Why would they come here?” he wondered aloud. The officer beside him shrugged. “It’s a known hangout for some shady characters,” he replied. Jasper felt a knot of worry tighten in his chest. “We need to be cautious.”  He requested backup, knowing they needed to approach this carefully for everyone’s safety. “We’re going to need more officers,” Jasper said into his radio. “This could get messy.” The dispatcher acknowledged his request, promising backup would arrive soon. Jasper looked at the building again, his mind racing with possibilities. “Hang in there, Lila’s mom,” he whispered. “We’re coming to get you.” The tension in the air was palpable as they prepared to move in. Backup officers arrived swiftly, all on high alert and ready to act. Jasper briefed them quickly, pointing to the building. “We need to approach with caution,” he said. “The situation inside could be volatile.” The officers nodded, their expressions serious. They spread out, surrounding the building to cover all exits. Jasper took a deep breath, preparing himself for what lay ahead. “Let’s move,” he commanded, leading the way.  They learned the building the woman was taken to was supposedly abandoned and cleared out. “It’s been empty for months,” one of the officers said, frowning. “But we’ve seen some activity here recently.” Jasper nodded, his suspicions confirmed. “Something’s definitely going on in there,” he muttered. They approached the entrance cautiously, flashlights cutting through the darkness. The eerie silence only heightened the tension as they prepared to enter. The officers entered cautiously, prepared for anything to ensure Lila’s mother’s safety. Their steps were slow and deliberate, weapons drawn and eyes scanning every shadow. Jasper led the way, his senses on high alert. “Stay close and watch your backs,” he whispered. The inside of the building was dark and filled with debris. Jasper could hear faint voices ahead, his heart pounding as they moved closer to the source of the sound. Inside, they confronted an illegal gang, realizing the danger they faced. The room was filled with rough-looking men, clearly surprised by the police presence. “Freeze!” Jasper shouted, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. The gang members scrambled, some reaching for weapons. Jasper and his team held their ground, ready for anything. “We’re here for the woman,” he stated firmly. The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with potential violence. The gang members were taken by surprise, leading to a tense standoff with the police. “Back off!” one of the gang members shouted, brandishing a weapon. Jasper’s grip tightened on his gun, his eyes locked on the man. “We don’t want any trouble,” Jasper said calmly. “Just let the woman go.” The room was silent, the standoff stretching every second into eternity. The officers remained focused, ready to act at a moment’s notice. Lila’s mother, crying and scared, brightened upon seeing the police, feeling hope and relief. Her eyes widened as she saw Jasper and his team enter the room. “Help me, please!” she cried, tears streaming down her face. The sight of the police gave her a surge of hope. Jasper stepped forward, his expression determined. “We’re here to get you out,” he said firmly, signaling his team to move in and secure the area. The thugs were quickly chased away, and Lila’s mother was freed from their grasp. “Go, go, go!” Jasper shouted, advancing with his team. The gang members scattered, retreating in the face of the police. Jasper reached Lila’s mother, helping her to her feet. “You’re safe now,” he reassured her. She clung to him, her relief palpable. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “Thank you so much.” Jasper nodded, guiding her to safety. Grateful and emotional, she explained her situation and how her ex put her in danger. “It’s been a nightmare,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “My ex… he got involved with some bad people. When he couldn’t pay his debts, he offered me as collateral. I had no choice but to go along with it to keep Lila safe.” Jasper listened intently, understanding the gravity of her words and the desperation she must have felt.  She revealed they lost their home due to the ex, who then sold her out to a crime organization as “collateral”. “We lost everything,” she continued, her voice breaking. “Our home, our stability… he gambled it all away. When he couldn’t pay, they came for us. I didn’t know what else to do but comply and hope to find a way out.” Jasper felt a surge of anger at her ex, but he focused on keeping her calm and safe.  Jasper listened intently, understanding the gravity of her hardships and the need for protection. “You’ve been through so much,” he said gently. “We’re going to make sure you and Lila are safe from now on.” She nodded, tears of gratitude in her eyes. Jasper knew this was just the beginning of their journey to safety, but he was determined to see it through. “Let’s get you both to a secure place,” he added, leading her out. With Lila’s mother’s help, the police were able to round up and identify the crime organization and Lila’s mother’s ex. “He’s the one who started all this,” she said, pointing to a photo of her ex. “And these men are the ones who took me.” The officers nodded, grateful for the detailed information. “This will help us a lot,” one of them said. “We’ll make sure they can’t hurt you or Lila again.” Lila and her mother were reunited, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude for their safety. “Mommy!” Lila cried, running into her mother’s arms. “I was so scared!” Her mother hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face. “I’m here now, sweetie. We’re safe,” she whispered. Jasper watched the reunion, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. “We’re going to take care of you both,” he promised. Lila’s mother looked at him, her eyes full of gratitude. The police helped arrange safe housing for Lila and her mother, supporting their fresh start. “We’ve found a place for you to stay,” Jasper said, handing her the keys. “It’s a safe location, and there are people there who can help you.” Lila’s mother nodded, relief washing over her. “Thank you so much,” she said, her voice trembling. Lila clutched her teddy bear, looking up at Jasper with wide, grateful eyes. The felons were convicted of their crimes and put behind bars. “Justice has been served,” the judge declared. Jasper attended the trial, feeling a sense of closure. Lila’s mother testified bravely, her voice steady despite the fear. When the verdict was read, she let out a sigh of relief. “It’s over,” she whispered to Jasper. He nodded, feeling proud of her strength. “You did great,” he said. “Now you can move forward.” Jasper felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing he played a part in their journey to safety. Watching Lila and her mother start their new life, he couldn’t help but smile. “You’ve made a big difference,” his colleague said. Jasper nodded, his heart full. “It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this job,” he replied. As he walked away, he knew that Lila and her mother were finally safe and on their way to a brighter future.