The weeks and years marched on in a predictable monotony of advanced schooling, martial arts, and extensive weapons training — and several gene-altering gifts during the first years at the foundation. 

Xoey, along with the others from Alpha Team, quickly learned strict discipline, immediate obedience, and unfailing loyalty to the foundation. If they wavered from any of these or were suspected to be performing at less than peak efficiency, raging consequences ensued.

Xoey methodically scrubbed the concrete floor to the point it was so clean, even Lieutenant could eat off of it — not that she would. Rinsing the mop, her thoughts drifted to the small boy in Bravo Team that was having difficulties after one of the foundation’s gifts. 

As Xoey stood in the dorm’s doorway, mop handle in her hand, she permitted her mind to wander to her team. To Chaz. 

She recalled his unruly sandy, blond hair as he stood rigidly in line beside her. Her features softened as she could still see his contagious smile as he pointed out wildlife on their morning runs. She could hear his hearty laughter in the stolen moments they shared a joke.

Oh, how she missed him since he died due to gene modification difficulties a few years earlier. His body raged with a high fever before he lost the battle — just as the small boy was doing now.

Xoey pleaded a silent prayer that the small boy would pull through.

Hearing movement at the end of the hall, she buried the thoughts for another time and checked the floor before emptying the mop bucket.

Turning, Xoey stood at attention as the lieutenant quickly approached with three young girls on her heels.

The lieutenant inspected the dorm floor, then spoke without commenting or looking at the girls. “Xoey, you will mentor these new recruits. Teach them what is expected of them to make everyone’s time here move more efficiently.”

Motionless and eyes straight ahead, Xoey could feel the girls watching as she responded. “Yes ma’am!”

Turning on her heel to leave, the lieutenant paused. “And have them ready for their gift tomorrow.”

“Yes ma’am!” Xoey stood erect as she listened to the lieutenant’s boots thump down the hallway. 

The girls’ moon-sized eyes darted from Xoey to the woman who brought them home, and back to Xoey.

Walking to the girls, she spoke softly. “My name is Xoey.” She gently placed each girl with her back inches from the wall. “I will teach you what Lieutenant wants you to learn and how you should act at all times. Does anyone like to be yelled at?” She looked at them, waiting.

Each girl vehemently shook her head, long hair flying back and forth in protest, eyes growing even larger.

Xoey nodded, “Good. Let’s practice standing at attention. This is what I did when Lieutenant came in.” She demonstrated again as the girls watched her. “You need to stand perfectly straight, don’t talk, and don’t look around, even when someone is talking to you or you are frightened. Understand?”

Each girl nodded as their eyes were trained on their mentor.

“Now, look straight ahead.” Xoey began her long strides back and forth, watching her students as she continued. “You need to look past me as I walk. Find something straight ahead and stare at it. Lieutenant will not tolerate disobedience.” 

She paused, watching as each girl’s focus shifted from her to the wall in front of them when one girl spoke out and looked at Xoey.

The small child’s voice shook, “When can we go home?”

Xoey took a deep breath, stood more erect, and reiterated what she was told over a decade earlier. “You are home.”

Each girl broke rank as all eyes became trained on Xoey. Their lower lips quivered as one. Tears quickly welled up in their eyes and spilled down their smooth cheeks in slim streams.

Xoey moved in front of them and squat down to their level. In a gentle, but firm tone, “Dry your eyes, soldiers. You cannot be caught crying or there will be consequences.” 

The young girls missed the shadow that flitted over Xoey’s features at the brief recollection of times spent as a small child — locked alone in a small room.

The girls sniffled and used the back of their sleeves to roughly dry their tears. 

Xoey continued softly. “There are moments of solitude, times when you are alone — that is when you can cry.”

She stood, “Let’s try this again. Stand at attention.”

Each girl stared at the wall, chests heaving from the bout of tears and the attempt to stop the flow, delicate hands clasped in front of them.

“Good, now place your hands at your sides — touching your legs.” Xoey watched as the girls’ gaze flitted to her face, then to the front as they remembered what she had said.

Nodding with satisfaction, “This is how you will stand for Lieutenant and everyone else here. This is also how you will stand to receive your gift tomorrow.”

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Her large, dark eyes peered around the door frame, past the stoic lieutenant, into the brightly lit room filled with state-of-the-art technology. One of the medical personnel in white lab coats beckoned Xoey to enter, waving to her, and pointing at one of the medical chairs from a row of them.

She wondered what DNA was and where were the birthday gifts and cake? Her mama gave her a new dolly and a sweet treat for her birthday.

Xoey tentatively stepped over the threshold. Her breathing quickened as her eyes scanned the computers, heart monitors, and the two men preparing to administer her gift.

She struggled to climb into the cushioned chair, then wriggled herself in place. Her slip-on shoes nearly reaching the edge of the seat.

Her thoughts of a new doll were interrupted when one of the men looked at her, pushed his square glasses further up his pointed nose, and asked, “What is your name?”

Tilting her head back to look up at the man towering over her, she said in a barely audible whisper, “Xoey.”

The man scribbled on his clip board, then nodded to his assistant who took her vitals and hooked her up to a machine to monitor her heart and blood pressure.

Xoey’s wailing could be heard much further than the hallway as the medical team started an IV, causing the other children to cringe with fear.

One by one, the toddlers were brought in and lined up in the cushioned chairs where they were prepped for the foundation’s gift to them. Each child, beginning with Xoey, was administered CRISPR and Cas-9 to cut a specific piece of their DNA and replace it to enhance their agility.

The lieutenant stood like a barrier of perfection in the doorway. There was not a speck or wrinkle on her black uniform and every blond hair was neatly tucked into a bun. Her stance and attitude were unwavering as she observed the creation of her team — Alpha Team. 

She strode back and forth in front of the children who were hooked up to tubes and wires. “There is no crying in the military! Dry those eyes soldiers!” Her boots pounded a rhythmic drum, commanding attention. “Eyes straight ahead!”

The children, varying in age from two to four years, tried facing ahead so as not to invoke the lieutenant’s wrath. Being so young and fearful, they were easily distracted by the medical team — and each others crying. 

After the procedure was finished, Xoey and the others sat at the table with their suppers untouched before them. The occasional tear slid down silky cheeks, mingling with their baked chicken and green beans.

Xoey, along with the other children of Alpha Team, went to bed hungry but not wanting to eat.

As she lay in bed, hugging the firm pillow in place of her lost doll, Xoey’s head pounded from bouts of crying throughout the day. She sniffled, then coughed several times, as her nose continually ran.

How she longed to be in the safety of her mother’s embrace. Ached to hear Mama’s melodic voice softly singing as her mother held her close, smoothing her black curls away from her face. She missed her mother’s gentle kiss on her cheek as her mother tucked her in bed each night.

Weeping and longing for the past that was beyond her reach, this was Xoey’s nightly tradition as she waited to succumb to sleep. 

Day after day, the weeks slowly ticked away as the memories of her mother’s love faded to a distant memory.

As her DNA changed over the course of a month, so too did her mindset. With each passing week, Xoey was more at home. 

Just what the foundation wanted.

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Xoey lay on the firm bunk, curled tightly in a ball. The light shining through the glass of the hallway door illuminated her small, shaking frame as she wept. Tears shone on her smooth face in the dim light as they raced in streams, plummeting into the white pillow.

She, along with the other children, pleaded with the darkness for their parents’ rescue for long hours before succumbing to sleep.

The blond haired woman who escorted the children to the base stepped inside the girl’s dorm, her blue eyes scanning the sleeping children. Gazing at her watch, she flipped the light switch on the moment it struck 6:00 AM.

“Wake up children! Stand at the end of your beds.” She began pacing the length of the dorm, her black boots rhythmically drumming the concrete floor.

Xoey sat up, the warm blanket falling away as she rubbed dried tears and sleep from her red eyes. She looked around in confusion at the woman marching down the aisle and at the other girls doing the same.

Then the memories of the past day crept up, consuming her in her frailty. “I want my mama.” Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.

The woman did not respond to the children’s ensuing pleas. “Come along girls, stand at the end of your beds. There is a surprise for you after lunch. Today marks your birthdays — your first official day here.” She stood erect with her hands behind her back, just inside the doorway, waiting for their obedience.

The children slowly climbed off their bunks and stood at the ends of their beds, yawns escaping often from each child. Their teary eyes trained on the lady guiding their thoughts and movements.

“Very good. You will do this each morning when I arrive.” Her gaze fell on each child’s innocent face. “You will address me as ma’am. Do you understand?” She watched as they nodded before encouraging them, “Yes, ma’am.”

Xoey, along with the other girls, quietly repeated as instructed, “Yes, ma’am.” 

“Very good children. Now, we are going to play a game. I want you to look straight ahead.” As the woman spoke, she walked to each girl and squared her head and shoulders with the aisle. “Resist the temptation to look around.”

As the woman strode to correct Xoey’s stance, her big eyes looked up at the woman who gently turned her. 

“Don’t watch me children, just look straight ahead.” The woman continued this with each girl until standing once again at the doorway. “Now, your clothes are sitting on the trunk at the end of your beds.” 

The children’s heads and eyes moved slightly towards the woman’s voice, then more so to see the clothes she spoke about.

“I said eyes straight ahead!” The woman snapped.

The children were startled at the sudden outburst. Each looked straight ahead, their eyes downcast and lower lips quivering.

The woman smoothed her spotless uniform. “As I was saying, your clothes are on your trunks. Get dressed, straighten your beds, then come to the doorway, and stand quietly in a line.” 

The children stood motionless, unsure if they were to get dressed now or continue standing still. Not one of them enjoyed the woman’s game.

In a kinder tone, “Go on now. Get dressed then make your beds.” 

The girls slowly turned to find black pants and a stretchy black shirt neatly folded in a pile on their trunks. 

Xoey wiggled out of her night clothes and sat on the floor as she pulled the pants on. Standing, she jumped several times as she finished pulling the pant legs past her feet until the elastic waistband rested around her tiny waist.

Yanking and pulling at the stretchy shirt, her head finally poked through the neck hole. She struggled to put her arms through the long sleeves as her mother often helped with this. When she succeeded in dressing herself, she slipped on her shoes. 

Xoey and another girl began walking towards the door when they were reminded to make their beds. 

When everyone had tugged their blanket straight, they quietly stood in line by the door.

The woman nodded her approval. “We will go to the cafeteria for breakfast. You will eat everything put before you or you’ll go hungry. Understood?” She looked at their faces as they nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” She reminded them.

Each child reiterated, “Yes, ma’am.”

After the children had bowls of thick oatmeal and fresh fruit, they cleaned up their dishes, and were escorted to their classes to begin molding their young minds.

Hours later, the children wearily finished their classes, then slowly their lunches.

The blond lieutenant stood at the head of the table. “Alright children, as I promised, now it’s time for your birthday surprise. Clean up your dishes then get in line beside me.”

Xoey and the others perked up at the forgotten gift. Would they have cake and ice cream? Would the girls receive a new doll and the boys a toy car?

The small boys and girls hurriedly took their dishes to the wash counter before racing as one to the woman’s side. They looked at her expectantly, long lashes batting large eyes.

The children followed the woman down a long corridor with several closed doors. Stepping outside, they squinted and blinked against the glaring sunshine, walking towards a neighboring building. 

Xoey’s eyes tracked a few song birds sporadically chasing each other as she followed the procession. 

She looked at the Science Lab sign hanging above the doorway as she walked inside the building. Following the woman, Xoey stood with the others along the cool, concrete wall as the woman told of their surprise.

“Today, you will be blessed to experience genetic engineering. The foundation’s gift to you on your first birthday here is to alter your DNA to enhance your agility.” The woman opened the door labeled CRISPR, “Xoey, you will be first to receive your gift.”

Xoey looked at the woman with her arm extended towards the open door then tentatively stepped through.

To be continued…

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One by one, the fearful children took tentative steps towards the woman’s outstretched hand. She gently guided each of them out from the stench of the trash-littered van they were abducted into. Their worn shoes created small explosions of dust as each child jumped to the dry, dirt road. 

Xoey reached for the woman’s hand, her dark eyes wet with tears and long lashes matted together as she pleaded, “I want my Mama.”

The woman’s plump lips pursed as she held her hand, and her gaze steady on the two year old child. “Come along. We are going home.”

Xoey nodded as she took the offered hand and joined the other children huddled in safety behind the woman. 

Gesturing towards the bus, the woman extended a slender arm. “Alright children, find a seat on the bus and we will leave.”

Obediently, the children moved towards the open door where they clambered one by one up the steep steps. After each child had climbed onto the bus, the woman moved to do the same.

The man in the dark grey suit quickly stepped forward, hand outstretched. “Wait, where’s our money?!”

The woman turned slightly, “You yourself said we were not paying for animals.” She continued up the stairs where she sat rigidly behind the driver’s seat. 

Her partner nodded slightly in agreement before joining them behind the wheel where he firmly closed the door —ending any further objections. 

The bus drove off leaving the two men slack jawed and covered with fine dust in their wake.

Hours later, the bus wound its way along a twisting road through a lush, government-owned, private forest. 

Pulling up to the gate, the children strained from their seats to see where they were — looking for their homes, families, and anything familiar.

The tall, metal gate glided open, allowing entrance to multiple large military compounds within the confines of a fourteen foot tall, security welded fence — lined with barbed-wire. The children were oblivious to the sign giving warning to the fence’s charge of over 5,000 volts and the lethal danger it presented.

The gate closed behind them while the bus drove further to a two story building tucked behind other buildings. 

After the bus pulled to a stop, the man driving opened the door and stepped into the afternoon rays. He stood at attention beside the bus with a few other soldiers in black uniforms.

The woman stood at the front of the bus, smoothing her spotless uniform after hours of sitting erect. “You will rise and follow me.” When not all of the children immediately rose, she encouraged, “Come along now, let’s not keep them waiting.”

The woman gracefully stepped off the bus, breathing deeply of the fresh mountain air heavily laced with pines. The melody of songbirds floated on the air but she had no time to enjoy such frivolities. 

Xoey carefully scooted down the bus steps, her eyes wide as her scuffed sandals touched the blacktop. Her lip quivered and her eyes welled up, threatening another deluge. “Where’s Mama?”

“Come stand here.” The woman tactfully ignored the question as she pointed in front of herself. As the children exited the bus, she lined them up, facing the same direction, like ducks in a row for presentation.

Xoey leaned forward, watching, as her curls leaned with her, dancing in the light breeze. She tucked stray curls behind her ear, as her mother had done dozens of times. 

Her large eyes curiously watched the other children as they, too looked on in confusion. She wrapped her arms about herself, desperately wishing for her mother’s embrace as a tear escaped down her flushed cheeks.

The woman returned to the front of the line. “Stand up straight children.” 

The military woman stood straight as a post, eyes ahead as an example. 

Each of the children looked at her and stood straighter.

“Good. Now look straight ahead and don’t move.” The woman was as still as a statue, with the exception of a tendril of golden hair — gleaming and waving in the sun’s rays.

The children looked straight ahead. Their eyes roamed over the concrete buildings, the vastness of the dense forest beyond, a Swallowtail butterfly flitting past the bus — and the men standing rigidly watching them.

The young woman saluted as the tendril of blond hair tickled her cheek, failing to distract her. “Alpha Team reporting for duty, General!”

The stout man wearing a black beret and a scowl saluted the group. “Very good Lieutenant. Show them their new home. Training and schooling begin at dawn.”

To be continued…

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Xoey’s small frame was roughly hoisted into the air and tossed into the back of the dark van like a rag doll. She scurried to the far side of the van — away from the treacherous man who snatched her, where she huddled against the cool metal with three young whimpering children.

She fearfully eyed the man’s anger-riddled face as he spewed threats at them, not comprehending what was happening. Her dark eyes filled, blurring her vision. Then the dam broke sending slim rivers down her cheeks.

The man firmly slammed the van door, closing off any escape or hope of being found — just as Xoey heard her mother’s voice one last time. “Xoey! Xoey, where are you?!” 

“Mama!” Her arms stretched towards the door, towards her mother’s voice, as sobs racked her tiny body.

The van shook as the man climbed into the passenger seat. “Let’s go make the drop-off before anyone finds us with these brats.” He cast one look of disdain at the frightened children huddled together then turned his attention to his phone as he made the arrangements.

Xoey rushed to the closed door. Pressing her tiny palms against the cool glass, she searched the crowd from her tip-toes and sobbed. “Mama! I want my Mama!”

The van lurched forward, sending Xoey tumbling to the seat-less floor of the van. Scraping her arm on the track for a bench seat, she curled into a ball and wept. She repeated through her tears, “I want Mama.”

The driver tightly gripped the steering wheel and sighed in exasperation, “I can’t take this for two hours. Make them shut up!”

The man muttered, “I’m stuck with a bunch of babies.” Then he turned in his seat facing the children and roared, “Shut up!”

He spun back around, smoothed out his dark grey suit, and pinched the bridge of his nose. When the whimpering and crying didn’t cease, he reached a well-manicured hand — graced with a single golden lion’s head ring, for the radio. 

He’d blast the radio louder than the children’s cries.

Hours later, the van slowed slightly before veering down a side road. The dust and pebbles kicked up from the balding tires swirled and alerted anyone who cared of their presence.

Several minutes later, the van pulled to a stop beside a small, unmarked bus. A man and a woman in crisp, black uniforms stood rigidly waiting.

The man, without removing his dark sunglasses or glancing at his watch, drilled the two men from the van with an intense stare, “You are late.”

The men shuffled under the gaze and mumbled their apologies, littered with excuses.

The woman stepped forward, her golden hair neatly pulled back in a bun at the nape of her neck. She ignored the tendril of loose hair caressing her cheek. “Open the door.”

The man in the grey suit flung the door open as ordered.

The children slowly stood as one, huddled together. 

The woman’s gaze swept over the children, taking in their torn clothing, the various bruises and cuts, the dried blood — and the lack of seating for them.

She slowly turned to face the two men. Removing her sunglasses, she narrowed her brilliant blue eyes at them. In a low, even tone she asked, “Are we paying you for animals?”

Taken aback, the men looked at her, slightly confused. They looked to each other, then back to her as they stumbled over their words for the appropriate answer. 

The woman’s partner stood beside the open bus door, a slight smirk barely visible on his freshly shaven face.

The woman took a step towards the men, glanced at the children, and asked again, “Are we paying for animals?”

The men shook their heads.

The woman put her sunglasses back on, the tendril of hair ignored as it continued caressing her cheek in the light breeze. 

She looked to the children and her features softened. Extending her hand to them, “Come along children. We are taking you home.”

To be continued…

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(Continued from Gone Rogue - Prelude)

The small, scruffy dog was filthy, smelly, and in much need of a bath but Xoey didn’t notice as she set her precious dolly on the rough pavement beside her and hugged the dog close. Burying her face in his matted fur, she emitted a string of high-pitched giggles when the wriggly pup covered her face in wet kisses.

Suddenly, the dog’s ears perked up and it scrambled from Xoey’s tiny arms, drawn to the sharp whistle.

“Puppy!” Xoey rose from her knees, eyes locked on her furry friend as it scampered off. She followed its bounding form as quickly as her small legs would take her, dodging a myriad of people’s legs as they strode past — unaware, or uncaring, of her pursuit.

A tall lady with light brown hair in a french twist quickly turned, leaving a vendor’s stall. She knocked Xoey to the ground with her large, nearly overflowing, bag of groceries. 

Her dark eyes wide with shock, Xoey stared at the lady who cast the quickest glance of disdain at the small child before scurrying off.

She sat sprawled on the dirty pavement as salty pools sprung up and filled her eyes, running down her silky cheeks in tiny rivers. Her blue floral dress was torn from the fall and soiled with street grime. 

Hearing the friendly dog yip, Xoey’s lip quivered as her eyes focused through the tears. She scanned the people's legs in search of his fluffy form. 

The small dog had paused near a booth with vibrantly colored scarves, waving in the light breeze. Metallic threads stitched in intricate designs on each scarf blinked and shimmered in the morning rays.  The dog barked again at the fabrics waving playfully at him.

“Puppy!” Forgetting her hard landing and the trickle of blood slowly running down her leg, Xoey hurried to her feet as the object of her affection was again in sight.

Arms outstretched and tears forgotten, her little sandals slapped the pavement as she ran towards the dog, still jumping and barking at the shop’s wares.

Xoey weaved her way around several people when a strong, tattooed hand reached out, painfully gripping her arm.

The brute force from the man’s grasp abruptly stopped her momentum. Xoey fliched against the man’s bruising hand shackled about her tender skin and the shock this strange man would even grab her. "Let go!"

The man rasped around a cigarette between his lips, “Where’s your parents little girl?”

In a panic, Xoey attempted to tug her arm free as he surveyed the crowd for distraught parents. “No! Let go!”

Unconsciously, his grip loosened as he scanned the passing people for any that appeared to be in a panic. Xoey tugged several more times with all of her strength, finally pulling free.

“Hey! Get back here!”

The delicate skin on her arm burned as Xoey darted into the bustling crowd where her small form was quickly lost from the man's sight.

She had run a short distance before ducking beneath a table laden with carrots, potatoes, and other colorful root vegetables. Xoey peeked around a lady’s flowing skirt bartering the price of artichokes. Her eyes frantically sought the man who grabbed her - or the puppy. 

Not seeing the man, she took a step closer to the booth's edge. The pounding in her chest hurt nearly as much as her bruising arm.

She took another tentative step from the booth. Her small chest heaving as her large eyes scanned the towering adults hurriedly striding throughout the marketplace. 

She looked at the pavement around her, only seeing bits of trash and dirty puddles. Holding her hands to her heart, she whispered, "Dolly?"

Taking a step back into the the safety of the vegetable booth, her lip quivered as she scanned the crowds of people milling about the busy market. Her big, dark eyes began to mist over as her voice wavered, "Mama? Where are you, Mama?" Slim streams ran down her silky cheeks.

Suddely, her face lit up and a smile blossomed. In the distance she saw the little pup jumping and twirling excitedly. 

Forgetting her fears, she again ran wholeheartedly with her arms outstretched, ready to embrace her furry friend. Reaching the small dog, Xoey fell to her knees as she pulled him close. Burying her face in his fur, he wiped away her tears.

A nasaly voice broke through their reunion, "You like my dog, little girl?"

Xoey leaned back so far to look up, her lips parted.  The tall, lanky man wore a sleek grey suit that seemed to match his slicked back hair. 

Xoey nodded, her curls bouncing in agreement.

"Would you like to give him a treat?" The man smiled down at her, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he glanced around at the crowd.

Xoey nodded again as she slowly stood.

The man turned and strode towards a black conversion van, whistling for the pup to follow.

The small dog scampered after the man. 

Xoey stood as she watched the pup follow the man, jumping at the fist buried in the man's pocket. 

Xoey raced after them both, her sandals beating the pavent like a drum. She was oblivious of the filthy puddles she ran through, of the grime that splashed on her legs and ran in trickles, mingling with the blood.

When she caught up to the man and pup, she stood with her hands clasped in front of her, looking expectantly at the man. As he reached for the door handle, Xoey heard a faint, but familiar cry. 

Turning her attention towards the path of pursuit she'd taken, she heard her mother's voice in the distance. "Xoey! Xoey, where are you?!"

Xoey began to turn towards her mother's frantic call, "Here I am Ma-"

The man grabbed her, slapping his well-manicured hand over her mouth, cutting off her reply. 

Xoey's eyes grew twice their size as the man grabbed her, flung the van door open, and tossed her in with three young whimpering children.

The children cowered together on the far side of the van.

The man's face contorted in a vile sneer, "You aren't going anywhere!" He took a treat from his pocket and tossed it to the small dog. "None of you have a family anymore!" Then he spat to the side and slammed the door firmly closed on their world.

The children were engulfed in darkness, being consumed by their fears. 

To be continued…

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The slender, young woman sat at the antique, scratched-up desk — her long, chocolate brown hair spilled over her shoulders. She gently bit her lower lip as she stared at several past-due bills, weighing the consequences of not paying them — again. 

As yet another sigh escaped her lips, she glanced over her shoulder at her two-year-old daughter playing peacefully on the faded rug with her favorite, worn doll.

Staring at her daughter, cherished — but painful — memories flitted through her vision. She could still hear his vows to love, honor, and cherish her without end. She could still feel his warm lips on hers after they said “I do” and every time after — could still feel his strong hands surrounding hers as they prayed for their growing family. 

She could still see the doctor’s solemn face as his gaze bore into her soul before telling her they lost her husband in surgery after the car accident.

Wiping her wet cheeks, she turned her attention back to the pile of bills. Making minimum payments on two of them, she placed the rest in a stack for another time. 

With a silent prayer, she grabbed the day-old newspaper and flipped to the employment section. Her heart sank a little more with each entry she read — each listing she was unqualified for.

Glancing again at her daughter, she pushed back from the stress laden desk and strode to the coat rack in the hallway. She tossed the newspaper on the simple table holding her keys.

Her daughter’s tiny hand held onto the white door casing as Xoey’s large, almost black eyes followed her mother’s graceful movements as she removed her jacket from the coat hook. “Mama, I go too?”

The young woman glanced lovingly down at her daughter, “Of course, Xoey. I wouldn’t go anywhere without my favorite girl!” Xoey jumped up and down, her black curls jumping with her. “Go get your sweater and we’ll leave.”

The woman smiled as she watched the toddler pump her arms before darting off to retrieve her sweater.

In moments, Xoey flew around the corner, her aqua sweater flying like a kite in her wake. Her mother slid her arms into her jacket before bending on one knee to help her struggling daughter get her own arms in the sweater sleeves.

“Ready?”

Xoey’s tiny hands gently clasped her mother’s cheeks and with utmost sincerity, “No, Mama. I can’t leave dolly.”

“Go get her.” Her mother smiled as Xoey ran to her most cherished toy. Since giving the doll to her more than a year ago for her birthday, she never left her precious doll behind.

Xoey skipped back into the room hugging her doll, “Ready, Mama!”

The woman hung her purse on her shoulder then picked up the child who stood on tip toes with her arms raised.

Holding the doll near to her heart, Xoey rested her chin on her mother’s shoulder as they walked the few steps to the snow-white door. As her mother opened the door, the morning light flooded the small hallway. 

Xoey’s eyes rested on the photos of the newspaper’s front page — five missing children’s photos ranging from two to six years old. 

Then the door closed behind them — extinguishing the illumination, and the thought of the children.

Xoey walked hand in hand with her mother through the bustling marketplace as her small sandaled feet lightly tapped the pavement in quick succession to her mother’s long strides. She almost melded with her mother’s leg amidst the throngs of people walking in all directions and darting in front of them.

“Stay close, Xoey and don’t leave my side.”

Xoey nodded, “Yes, Mama.” Her curls nodded in agreement as her dark eyes, like saucers, darted among the people. 

A burly man in a navy suit bumped into them — nearly separating the pair. 

Xoey clung to her mother’s hand and skirt as she walked closely behind her to prevent being run over.

They stopped at a vendor’s stall as her mother chose several potatoes, carrots, and a few ripe bananas.

Xoey’s eyes were drawn to the colorful fruits and vegetables displayed on wooden carts, the brightly colored dresses, shirts, and silk scarves hung on makeshift racks, and jewelry that sparkled brilliantly in the morning rays of light.

Her eyes wide and lips parted in wonder, she looked from one brightly colored object to the next, mesmerized by the vibrancy of the world outside their home. 

Hearing a whimper, Xoey’s eyes fell to a form huddling in a corner under the produce cart. She took a step towards the furry creature, still clutching her mother’s skirt. 

“Puppy,” she whispered, as the small, black and brown dog turned adorable, captivating eyes her way.

Her mother glanced at her daughter watching the dog, as the price of their produce was being calculated before turner her attention back to the vendor.

Xoey took another step towards the dog, her tiny hand outstretched to touch its scruffy fur. The pup licked her fingers as a smile exploded on the child’s face.

Entranced by the friendly pup, Xoey released her mother’s skirt. 

Her delicate fingers caressed the pup as it profusely kissed her face, thoroughly enjoying the child’s attention. Light-hearted giggles erupted as she set dolly down and hugged the puppy. Burying her face in it’s matted fur, she felt the dog scramble from her arms at the sound of a whistle.

“Puppy!” Xoey scrambled to her feet and darted after the small dog, weaving around people’s legs as she strained to keep up with the quick animal.

Her mother grabbed the bag of groceries from the vendor, “Let’s head home, Xoey.” As her mother glanced down to where her daughter stood watching the small dog. Only Xoey’s doll looked back at her.

Fear burned like a wild fire as her eyes darted about, “Xoey?” 

The mass of people continued on their paths, not even casting a glance of acknowledgement her way, as her pleas were broadcast on deaf ears.

Dread clawed its way up from the pit of her stomach and consumed her as she called again and again, for her daughter. Panic released it’s tendrils in her mind as she clutched the doll to her chest, screaming herself hoarse, “Xoey! Xoey, where are you?!”

To be continued…

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