As more students poured out of the school, John moved closer, searching for any sign of Anna among them. He watched groups of children leave, but no one stood out. His frustration grew as the minutes passed, and Anna remained nowhere to be found.
When Caroline finally emerged, she looked tired, dragging her backpack behind her. John smiled gently and asked, “Hey, sweetheart, can you show me Anna?” But Caroline, rubbing her eyes, shook her head and sighed, “I’m too tired, Daddy. Can we go home?”