The space behind the wall was a small, hidden storage room.
A faint dust cloud floated in the air as light poured inside.
Mark's breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.
A young girl sat huddled on a thin blanket on the floor.
She looked around six years old, with pale skin and tangled hair.
Empty juice boxes and crumpled food wrappers lay scattered beside her feet.
She pulled her knees tight against her chest as the light hit her.
Mark gasped in total shock, dropping to both of his knees.
Mark: Oh my god!
Eleanor rushed forward and tried to grab Mark's shoulder from behind.
Eleanor: Mark, don't look in there, please just close it!
Mark shoved his wife's hand away with a quick, hard motion.
His mind was racing with utter horror and complete confusion.
There was a trapped child inside the walls of his home.
The little girl blinked up at him with big, terrified blue eyes.
Mark lowered his voice, trying to keep his tone gentle and steady.
Mark: Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you.
He slowly stretched his right hand out into the dark compartment.
The child hesitated for a moment, trembling in the cool air.
She looked past Mark toward his small daughter, who smiled brightly.
Lily reached down and pushed the plate of sandwiches a bit closer.
Lily: Eat, sister.
Mark froze when he heard his toddler use that specific word.
He turned his head sharply to look at Lily in disbelief.
Mark: What did you just say, Lily?
The little trapped girl slowly crawled forward toward the open doorway.
She reached out her small, cold hand into the bright hall light.
She gently rested her fingers right against Mark's warm cheek.
Her thumb brushed against the stubble on his jawline with great care.
Child: Daddy...
The word hung in the quiet hallway like a heavy thunderclap.
Mark felt as if all the air had been kicked from his lungs.
He looked closely at the young girl's delicate facial features.
She shared his distinct gray eyes and the shape of his chin.
Mark: Who are you?
Child: I missed you, Daddy.