But it was too late.
That memory had never left him.
For five years, Ethan searched.
Private investigators.
Databases.
Records.
Millions spent.
Nothing.
“Maya Johnson” was too common.
Her family had moved years ago.
No trace.
One afternoon, staring at his reflection in a dark screen, Ethan finally admitted the truth:
He had everything.
Money.
Power.
Success.
And yet… he felt completely empty.
He picked up the red ribbon.
“Where are you… Maya?” he whispered.
Two weeks later, he made a decision that shocked everyone.
He canceled meetings.
Postponed a major deal.
Booked a trip.
“Where to?” his assistant asked.
Ethan looked out the window.
“South side.”
Where it all began.
The black car drove slowly through streets he hadn’t seen in decades.
Some had changed.
Some hadn’t.
But when they stopped in front of Lincoln Elementary School…
time stood still.
The same fence.
The same gate.
The same place where a hungry boy once waited.
Ethan stepped out.
Walked closer.
He could see it clearly.
A thin kid.
Empty stomach.
And a girl who chose kindness.
He closed his eyes.
For a moment… he was nine again.
“Looking for someone?”
He turned.
An older woman was sweeping near the entrance.
“I used to go here,” Ethan said.
She smiled.