The door behind the officers Angela leaned against it taking a deep breath when she turned back to the living room she found Mia looking up. At her worry clouding her usually bright eyes mommy did I do something wrong Mia asked her voice quavering Angela's heart clenched she knelt down pulling. Mia into a hug no sweetheart you didn't do anything wrong you were kind and generous just like we've always taught you to be. As she held her daughter Angela's mind raced how could she explain the situation to Mia how could she protect her from the complexities of a world. That sometimes punished kindness is JN going to be okay Mia mumbled into Angela's shoulder Angela pulled back looking into Mia's eyes I hope so honey.
The doctors are taking care of him we can pray for him okay Mia nodded solemnly can we visit him in the hospital Angela hesitated we'll see sweetie for now why don't we finish. Our breakfast as they returned to the kitchen the cheerful mood of earlier had evaporated replaced by a tense silence Angela tried to maintain a calm demeanor for Mia's sake but inside. Her thoughts were in turmoil the rest of the morning passed in a haze Angela found herself constantly checking her phone half expecting another call from the police. Mia was uncharacteristically quiet her usual weekend exuberance dampened by the morning's events it wasn't until early afternoon that Angela realized they couldn't stay cooped up in the apartment forever. Mia honey she called why don't we go for a walk get some fresh air Mia perked up slightly at the suggestion as they stepped out of their building.
Angela noticed Mrs Gonzalez their elderly neighbor watching them from her window the old woman's gaze felt heavy with curiosity and something else was it judgment. As they walked down the street Angela couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were following them at the corner store Mr Chun the owner greeted them with his usual warmth but there was a questioning. Look in his eyes everything okay Angela he asked as she paid for a bottle of water saw some police at your building this. Morning Angela forced a smile everything's fine Mr Chun just a misunderstanding but as they left the store she heard the whispered conversation start up behind them news traveled fast in their tight-knit community. And Angela realized with a sinking feeling that the police visit was already becoming neighborhood gossip they made their way to a small playground a few blocks from their apartment.
As Mia ran to the swings Angela sat on a nearby bench her mind still swirling with worry she watched as a group of mothers huddled together throwing furtive glances in her Direction. One of the mothers Sarah whom Angela knew from PDA meetings broke away from the group and approached her hey Angela she said her voice a mix of concern and curiosity is everything all. Right we heard there was some trouble Angela sighed realizing she couldn't avoid the conversation there's no trouble Sarah Mia helped the homeless man in the Park yesterday and the police had some questions. About him Sarah's eyes widened a homeless man oh my was MIA okay was he dangerous no no Angela said quickly Mia was fine. She just shared her sandwich with him he was kind to her Sarah looked relieved but Angela could see the wheels turning in her head still you can never be too careful these.