Chapter 383


    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 nces


    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, gging down a yellow cab that whizzed by. The cabbie asked, “Littledy, 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.


    About an hourter, they arrived at the entrance of the residentialplex. The meter showed a hefty


    fare of over $90.


    “Do you remember your folks’ phone number? Tell them toe down to get you,” said the cabbie,


    hoping to get paid for the long drive.


    “I don’t remember my mom’s number. I’ll ask the security guard. He knows my mom,” Layna lied


    smoothly.


    The driver nced at the security booth, “Okay, go ask.” Believing that a child so young wouldn’t have


    any ill intentions, he let Layna out of the cab..


    Layna walked towards the security guard, picking up her pace as she got closer. Once she was out of


    the cabbie’s sight, she broke into a run. While the residents were essing the security gate, she


    slipped into the residentialplex before the guard and cabbie could react.


    “Hey, littledy!” The cabbie scrambled out of his car.


    The guard also came to his senses, but it was toote. Layna had disappeared into theplex.


    Frustrated, the cabbie muttered, “Kids these days! Wasted my time for nothing. She’ll grow up to be a


    troublemaker, for sure.” With nothing left to do, he hopped back into his car and drove away.


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    Just as the cabbie left, Herman’s car pulled up and entered theplex.


    Meanwhile, Layna was wandering aimlessly inside theplex, calling out for her mom.


    “Mom, Mom…” Her cries echoed in theplex, drawing the attention of several residents.


    Whenever she saw a resident, she’d ask, “Do you know where my mom lives? Herst name is


    Jewell.”


    Despite her efforts, no one seemed to know.


    As Layna continued her search, Anastasia, who was telling Pattie a story, heard the faint cries but paid


    no heed.


    Exhausted and hungry, Layna sat on a nter, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings. She broke


    down in tears. “Mom, Mom, where are you?”


    Suddenly, a disheveled woman appeared before her, causing her to shriek in fear.


    The woman was Penny. Penny had returned from looking for her son and, hearing a child crying, had


    come over.


    Her gaze was intense, fixed on Layna.


    Frightened, Layna stood up and, trying to keep her voice steady, said, “I’m looking for my mom. Can


    you help me find her?”


    Penny took a step forward, her eyes wide. What’s your mom’s name?”


    “I don’t know. But herst name is Jewell. Do you know her? She lives here,” Layna replied.


    Upon hearing the name “Jewell,” Penny’s expression turned even more unsettling.