Toby stood still as the security guards stepped closer to hold his shoulders gently.
He felt his heart beating wildly inside his chest like a trapped bird.
The tall man named Alejandro moved closer, his eyes fixed on the silver rose pendant.
He looked at Toby's face, taking in his bright green eyes and messy brown hair.
Alejandro raised a hand to stop the security guards from taking the boy away.
Alejandro: Wait.
Alejandro: Do not put him outside yet.
The young girl standing behind Alejandro peeked out with curious eyes.
Lily: Daddy, who is he?
Lily: Why is he crying?
Alejandro did not answer his daughter immediately because he was staring at Toby.
He knelt down on the cold marble floor, putting his expensive suit pants right on the ground.
Alejandro: What is your mother's name, son?
Toby: Her name is Sarah.
Toby: Sarah Miller.
Alejandro closed his eyes tightly as if a sudden wave of pain hit him.
The silver rose pendant in Toby's hand was a custom piece made twelve years ago.
Only one such piece of jewelry had ever been created by a local jeweler downtown.
Alejandro had given it to Sarah on the night they promised to stay together forever.
But ten years ago, Sarah had disappeared without leaving behind a single note.
Alejandro had searched for her across three states, but he never found a single trace.
Eventually, he believed she had moved away to start a completely new life without him.
Alejandro: Where is Sarah now?
Alejandro: Why did she send you here alone?
Toby swallowed hard, choking back a sob that shook his small frame.
Toby: She is very sick in the county hospital downtown.
Toby: The landlord locked our apartment door yesterday morning.
Toby: Mom told me to find the big house on Elm Street before it was too late.
Alejandro stood up quickly, his face full of determination and shock.
He turned around to face his assistant, who was standing nearby holding a tablet.
Alejandro: Get my car ready immediately.
Alejandro: We are going to the county hospital right now.
A woman wearing a flashy red dress stepped forward from the crowd of guests.
Her name was Patricia, and she was Alejandro's current fiancee and business manager.
Patricia: Alejandro, you cannot be serious!
Patricia: This street kid is lying to ruin our celebration!