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Staying Calm (2)

Author: Lola Ben
last update Last Updated: 2023-08-19 16:57:49

DOMINIC

“Daddy!” Her louder cry made me realise that she was closer than I thought. So, as my feet dragged and moved forward, I searched until I saw her little self rushing toward me.

“Ruby...” I breathed in relief once she was engulfed in my arms. My crouched figure felt more relief when I confirmed that the contact between us was very real.

“Daddy,” Ruby’s voice was shaky, so I temporarily broke our hug to take a look at her face.

“Yes, my daughter?” I tried to smile for her, but the signs of dirt on her face broke my heart so much, it took everything within me to not sob. “Where is Grace? She is here, right?”

The film of tears that formed in Ruby’s eyes as she shook her head broke my heart more. But her response had a worse effect on me. “They... They took her. I... I don’t know where, but...”

I nodded. One of my hands brushed her hair backwards and I asked, “Who took her, Ruby? Who are they?”

“I don’t know, Daddy.” Her tears started to fall, her sobs began to grow and I had to bit
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