Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

As soon as Whitney spoke, Tina looked up and saw her face. She froze for a moment, then pouted in disappointment and started to cry. "You're not my mommy... Where's my mommy? I want her!"

Whitney narrowed her eyes and glanced over at Sammy, who had just walked over. "So, who's your mommy?" she asked.

"My mommy is my mommy! I just saw her a minute ago!" Tina replied, her little heart breaking.

Sammy came closer and explained, "I know who Tina means. She thinks Sandy is her mom!"

Whitney looked at her son as if she'd just figured it out, then turned her attention back to the little girl, genuinely curious. "Tina, sweetie, why do you think she's your mommy?"

Tina rubbed her eyes, scared they wouldn't believe her. "She just is! Listen... I always asked Daddy where my mommy was-why I didn't have one. Did she not want me anymore? Daddy never answered."

day, I found a picture of a lady in his office. I'm super smart, so I followed Daddy a couple times. He kept going to the Sheldon

time, down by that office tower, I saw the lady from the picture! So I came up with a plan. I ran up to her and called her 'Mommy' and wouldn't let go. Daddy totally freaked out he even dragged me upstairs. Later, I asked him if that lady was my mom. He didn't answer, but that's basically saying yes, right? And besides,

so he must have his reasons. I don't know what they are, but I really, really want to meet my mommy. I've been

to my mommy-she knocked me

suspected-Sienna had used Tina's longing

to the doctor. "Could you check if she

doctor replied, "She seems fine. No visible injuries, and she's talking clearly, so I

smiled gently

just to find your mom. But, listen, next time, don't listen to people like

did Sienna do after she took you into