Chapter 0011 I know , I said quietly . But right now , all I have is Abigail . I cant lose her . Not after I stopped myself , the worts too painful to say . Not after 1 lost everything Daphne sighed , her expression softening . She knew what I meant . She didnt need me to finish . Youre not going to lose her , Lauren . Youre not . Just breathe . Youre okay . But I didnt feel okay . I pushed those thoughts down , burying them where they couldnt surface , at least not for now . The next morning , Daphne and I took Abigail to the mall , hoping to inject some normalcy back into our lives- even if it came with the usual headache of finding a parking spot in this endless maze . 1 tightened my grip on the steering wheel into the ridges of the leather beneath my fingers anything to anchor myself , to shake the unease that seemed to weigh me down like a storm cloud . And then it happened . Out of nowhere , a small figure darted in front of my car . My heart seized , and 1 slammed on the brakes , the tires screeching , the girls next to me screaming as my breath caught in my throat . For a moment , everything froze the world narrowing to that tiny shape amidst the parked cars . Alone , weaving through the rows of vehicles . Not just any child . It was him . I couldnt explain why my heart felt like it skipped a beat when I saw him . The moment our eyes met , his flashed in shock . Before I could do anything , Daphne gasped . Oh my god ! Did we almost merk that kid ?! What is he doing out here alone ! We both popped out of the car , approaching him as Daphne reached out . Aw , poor kid ! What a cutie though . You need help , love ? she exclaimed , reaching for Owens cheek , but he was already pulling away , his eyes fixed on me , his small hand clutching for the hem of my shirt . 1 blinked surprised down at his tiny hand on me but he looked desperately up at me . I nodded to Daphne explaining , Its okay , I think . Hes one of my patients . Then crouched down until I was at his level . Owen ? What are you doing out here ? Are you alright ? Do you need to get back to the hospital ? I asked gently , trying to remain calm for everyone . His response was a quick shake of his head , his face turning red as he stammered out a word . I blinked again , surprised by his response . It was so unexpected from the boy who rarely showed emotion . And … in the middle of a parking lot . Hes hungry ? Daphne repeated . She looked confused at me before we both shrugged . At the restaurant in the mall , I tried to keep the mood light chatting about little nothings as Owen focused on his +25 BONUS He ate slowly , deliberately , but his eyes never left me , the intensity quiet yet unyielding . I waited for the right moment before finally asking , Owen do you know your parents contact information ? He paused , his fork hovering mid air . The hesitation stretched long enough that I thought he wouldnt but then he carefully picked up a napkin and started scribbling . answer , His handwriting was neat for a child small , deliberate strokes that hinted at a precision beyond his years . Dad , he murmured , so softly 1 almost missed it . I nodded , offering him an encouraging smile as I took the napkin . Pulling out my phone , I punched in the numbers and waited . The call connected , but there was no greeting , no sound of someone picking up just the soft hum of an open line . Confused , I checked the timer to confirm it was active , Hello ? I ventured , my voice firm but calm . I went on to explain what happened , waiting for a response . The silence on the other end stretched , making the hair on the back of my neck prickle . I decided to situation anyways , that Owen was safe , where he was . Still , there was nothing . Finally , a single word broke the stillness . And then the line went dead . explain the I stared at my phone for a moment , unsettled . Shaking off the unease , I turned back to Owen . He didnt seem bothered at all. Instead , he sat quietly , listening to Abigails endless chatter with a focus that bordered on fascination . Abigail , for her part , didnt seem to mind his reserved nature . She spoke with the same boundless energy she always had , her animated hands waving as she explained her favorite noodles in detail to him . What caught me off guard was how her words didnt just skim over him like a skipping stone they sank in , getting through to him like a stone dropped into still water . He was listening . A soft laugh here , a hesitant nod there . Every so often , hed even add a word or two , his voice quiet but present . It was … unexpected . Daphne leaned into me , her gaze shifting between the two kids . She lowered her voice , but the curiosity was clear . Man , this is wild . Dont you think they kind of look alike ? In episode 36 of ReelTalk, titled "Love Bombing: The Reunion" by CrushReel, the cast of ReelShort's popular unscripted show reunites for a captivating journey. Singles and couples come together to reminisce about past drama, spill secrets, and relive the most memorable moments that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Exploring themes of love, betrayal, and unexpected connections, this ongoing romance series delves deep into the complexities of relationships. The characters' dynamics and interactions reveal layers of emotions and unveil surprising twists that redefine conventional notions of love. What sets this reunion apart is its raw authenticity and unfiltered storytelling. Viewers are invited to witness the emotional rollercoaster firsthand as unresolved tensions resurface and new revelations come to light. Dive into the world of "Love Bombing: The Reunion" for an immersive experience that will leave you craving more. 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