As the sirens drew closer, Helen remained on the line, her steady voice offering reassurance to the frightened child. “They’re almost there, Mia. Just hold on a little longer.”
Mia whimpered softly, “Okay.”
Outside the small green house with chipping paint, Officer Tony Ramirez and his partner, Officer Lisa Tran, arrived on the scene. They quickly approached the front door, noting the broken flower pot Mia had mentioned. Officer Tran knocked gently, her voice calm and composed. “Mia, it’s the police. We’re here to help you.”
