Then, as if by some miracle, I spotted him standing calmly near the curb. Relief cascaded over me, and I hurried towards him.

He was safe, but what caught my attention was the police officer crouched down beside him, fastening something shiny around his tiny wrist.

It was a reflective band, the kind used to keep kids visible in crowded places.

I was about to call out when the cop’s words froze me in place. “Actually… your brother already told me something I think you should hear,” he said, looking up with a serious expression that sent a chill down my spine.

I approached them, my heart pounding in my chest. Marcus looked up at me with his big, innocent eyes, seemingly unaware of the chaos he had caused. “What did he say?” I asked, my voice a mixture of relief and anxiety.

The officer stood up, resting a reassuring hand on Marcus’s shoulder. “Your brother mentioned something about your plans today that concerned me. He said you were both supposed to meet someone here, but he didn’t know who.”

I furrowed my brow, puzzled. “We weren’t meeting anyone,” I replied, looking at Marcus for confirmation. He nodded, his face earnest.

“But Marcus said somebody was going to give him a special surprise at the parade,” the officer continued. “That’s why he wandered off.”

I knelt down beside Marcus, trying to understand. “Marcus, sweetheart, what did you mean by surprise?”

Marcus scrunched his face in concentration, then his eyes lit up. “The man with the funny hat! He said he knew you and had a surprise for me.”

A jolt of fear ran through me. I didn’t know anyone at the parade wearing a funny hat. The realization hit me hard—someone had tried to lure Marcus away.

The officer’s face mirrored my concern. “We’ll look into this. For now, make sure to keep a close watch on him.”

I nodded, grateful for the officer’s presence. As he walked away, he turned back with a reassuring smile. “It’s good Marcus spoke up. Sometimes, kids notice things we don’t.”

I hugged Marcus tightly, my heart still racing. “Remember, Marcus, never go anywhere with strangers, okay?”

He nodded solemnly, and I kissed his forehead, relieved to have him safe. The parade marched on, vibrant and noisy, but all I could think about was the close call we’d had and how Marcus, with his childlike innocence, had unwittingly taught us an invaluable lesson about vigilance and trust.