The Bound Between Us

Chapter 383

The streets were bustling as Layna, backpack slung over her shoulder, navigated the crowded sidewalks.

She was heading south, alone. Her solitary figure attracted attention, with passers-by stealing glances at her.

Despite her fatigue, the thought of seeing her mother soon kept her spirits high. She kept moving forward, asking for directions along the way.

Layna was bold, flagging down a yellow cab that whizzed by. The cabbie asked, “Little lady, where are your folks?”

“I live at Harmony Meadows. Can you take me there? I’ll ask my mom to pay you,” Layna replied.

Feeling sympathetic towards the lone child, the cabbie hesitated before agreeing, “Hop in.”

“Thanks, sir!” Layna beamed as she got in. “To Harmony Meadows, please. That’s where my mom stays.”

“Alright.” The driver set the GPS to Harmony Meadows.

at the entrance of the residential complex. The meter showed a hefty fare of over $90.

remember your folks’ phone number? Tell them to come down to get you,” said the cabbie, hoping to get paid for the

my mom’s number. I’ll ask the security guard. He knows

go ask.” Believing that a child so young wouldn’t have any ill intentions, he let Layna out of the cab..

closer. Once she was out of the cabbie’s sight, she broke into a run. While the residents were accessing the security gate, she slipped into the residential

little lady!” The cabbie scrambled out of his

but it was

She’ll grow up to be a troublemaker, for sure.” With nothing left to do, he hopped back into his car and

car pulled up and entered

aimlessly inside the complex, calling

cries echoed in the complex, drawing

ask, “Do you know where

her efforts, no one seemed

was telling Pattie a story, heard the faint cries but paid no