4 Searching For Him

Evelyn's mother walked her to her school.

The kindergarten wasn't far from the apartment they stayed at.

Evelyn let go of her mother's hand and rushed close to the building. While distance settled between both her mother and her, she flashed the woman a wide grin and waved her hand at her.

Amelia watched her child disappear into the crowd of children entering the school before turning her back and leaving.

Once Evelyn made sure that her mother was gone, she sneaked out of the students gathered on the gate of the school along with their parents. Taking advantage of how the security was distracted due to a parent arguing the man, she hurriedly ran away from there.

Then, she took a turn and leaned against the wall.

Her heart started to beat rapidly in her chest.

These actions of hers would make her mother worried and mad, but they were required.

Evelyn crouched down before taking out her tablet and entering the location of the university on the device. Then, she clicked on the map and checked the road provided.

The university wasn't too far.

But with her small and stubby body, it would be quite a journey.

However, there was nothing that can't be encountered.

Evelyn wore her backpack and pulled on to it's strap. She huffed and pumped up her fist before marching forward. Determination shone in her eyes.

However, it only took her a few minutes in order to lose her usual spirits. She began to pant, trying to collect her breath, as she weakly leaned against the nearby wall for support.

Too tough!

Her legs started to ache, and it was too cold.

It was only her desperation that gave her willpower to continue forward.

Because of how this was a school district, no one was surprised by seeing a five year old carry around a bag. It was a usual sight.

Nonetheless, all of her endeavors met with success. Standing opposite of the university building, Evelyn placed her tablet back into her phone and reached out for her water bottle. Unscrewing the cap, she drank down the content in order to satiate her thirst.

After that, she wiped away the remnants of the water from her face with back of her hand.

Now, she had to cross this road.

Checking both sides to make sure there was no car coming, Evelyn set forward towards the university gate. However, only then did she hear the car rushing in her direction.

This got Evelyn's eyes to widen, alarmed, and she was lost on which direction to move.

She stiffened.

But right then, the car came to a halt before it could hit her.

That's when relief spread through her being. Her heart still beat rapidly in her chest. She had nearly met with accident back there.

The door opened, and man stepped out.

His ash-blond hair was messily shattered on his forehead. He sported a pair of green eyes that looked towards the petrified child. Concern filled his eyes as he walked over to her and kneeled down in front of her while placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright, child?" he asked tenderly.

Evelyn's eyes snapped to the man, and she nodded her head.

"What is a little child like you doing here? Don't you know it is dangerous to cross roads on your own?"

Not wanting him to send her back, she said, "I am here to look for my father. He is there."

She pointed towards the university building.

"What type of parents send their children all alone here?" commented the man. "Come on, I will take you to your father."

Evelyn shook her head.

It wasn't safe to trust a stranger.

"I can manage, uncle. I am sorry, and good-bye."

With that, Evelyn puffed up her cheeks and stood up straight. The sight of her was adorable, and a chuckle escaped from the man's lips.

That's when the window to the car lowered, and a man's deep voice fell after that.

"What are you doing?"

"Coming, boss! There is this child here and…" he trailed off upon seeing how Evelyn walked into the university building.

"Get in. Quick!"

He shook his head and rushed into the car.

°°°

Inside the campus, many of the students shot her a curious look. Few even questioned her and offered to help her. She asked them for the direction of the department before walking over on her own, turning down their proposition on accompanying her.

However, Evelyn underestimated the size of the campus, and this ended up in her getting lost. Although she followed the directions accurately, she had no clue on where she arrived at. The hallway she was at had no one roaming around.

Silence engulfed her.

Anxiety began to rise with Evelyn. Her legs gave out as she crouched, leaning against the wall. Tears filled both of her eyes, finding herself to be helpless.

Why did she think it would be so easy to find her father?

But she had to find him today or else when will she be getting the opportunity to do it next. However, at this point, she was only wasting her energy.

"It's you. Are you crying?" came a masculine voice.

Evelyn lifted her head and recognized him as the driver from earlier. She immediately wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and feigned a nonchalant expression. An adorable pout sat on her face.

"I am not."

He crouched down to her length and questioned, "What's the matter?"

"I couldn't find my father," she confessed, "I-I walked so much, but I couldn't find my father."

She broke out into tears.

Evelyn didn't cry that much. She blamed it on her nerves being a mess and her younger body.

"I will help you look for your father," he said, "is your father is a professor?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"He just came to today to teach."

"Then, do you know what he is teaching?"

Evelyn didn't know that much. She only knew her father only would be coming in this department to give a lecture at a certain time. That post gave no details on the subject.

She shook her head.

Her expression fell as she lowered her head.

"I can't find my father," she mumbled. It was almost as though she withered.

"What about uncle gets you some ice-cream?"

Evelyn's eyes brightened up at it.

Ice-cream?

When was the last time she had it?

She immediately nodded her head being tempted by it before composing herself.

Finding her father today would be impossible. The only advantage she had in her hand was the time. There was three whole weeks before the incident occurred, and next time, she will think of something better.

A while had passed, and she had no idea whether her father was in the school anymore.

How long did lectures last?

Then, in a stern tone, she wore a solemn expression before voicing out, "Uncle, I can't go with you. You are a stranger."

But she badly wanted to have ice-cream.

He pinched on her nose and said, "Saying that when you came here all on your own. I thought you were brave."

That's when, Evelyn started to look for excuses in her head, just so that she could follow him.

Both of them were alone in this hallway. If he wanted to hurt her, he would easily be able to do it.

As a result, a huge internal war happened inside her before she decided to let out a sigh and said, "Fine, I agree."

Then, folding her hands over her chest, she glared at him and threateningly stated, "No funny business."

"Are all the children cute like you? Come on, I will carry you."

Evelyn gave him a wide smile at it.

Her small body wouldn't be able to endure anymore of walking. She extended her hand, and he easily picked her up, not bothered by her weight.