Inside the closet, the dim light of the attic barely illuminated a small figure huddled against the back wall. My heart sank as I saw a little girl, no older than seven or eight, her eyes wide with fright, tear tracks visible on her cheeks. She wore a simple dress, now crumpled and dusty from the confines of her hiding place. Her tiny hands clutched a worn teddy bear, and she flinched at the sight of me, retreating further into the shadows. “Hey,” I said gently, trying to keep my voice steady, though my heart was pounding in my chest....
Continues…