CHAPTER 87: CAN YOU HELP HER?

Marlon let out a soft sigh. "I’ll do my best to cover for him... for now. But I can’t guarantee he’ll be safe from consequences. He’s already breaking multiple protocols, and that’s not something we can ignore for long. If the higher-ups catch wind of his actions, and they order his arrest or detainment... my hands will be tied. You know the law, Beatrice."

Her shoulders dropped slightly. "I understand."

"Convince him," Marlon said as he stood and adjusted his coat. "If you can’t reach him directly, try through his sister."

With that, he turned and left the cafe, leaving Beatrice alone at the table.

She stared quietly at the empty seat across from her, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup.

"Come on, Theo... don’t make this harder than it already is," she whispered.

Just as Beatrice finished the last sip of her now-cold coffee, the bell over the cafe door jingled softly. She turned and saw Aries walking back inside, a sheepish smile on her face.

"Sorry about that," Aries said as she approached the table. "Theo just needed some fresh air. He’s not angry or anything, just... overwhelmed, I guess."

Beatrice gave a small nod, though her disappointment was still clear. "It’s okay. I didn’t expect him to agree right away."

Aries sat down beside her. "He’s not closing the door completely. He’s just... unsure. So let’s give him time. Once he cools off, I’ll talk to him again. Maybe next time, you’ll both get a chance to really talk it out."

Beatrice smiled softly. "Thanks, Aries. I really hope so."

Aries gave her a playful nudge. "But for now, how about we stop talking about stubborn brothers and strict military commanders and actually enjoy the day? You and I haven’t hung out properly in months."

Beatrice’s eyes lit up at that. "You’re right. I missed this."

"Come on," Aries said, standing and offering her hand. "There’s a nice park just a few blocks away. Let’s walk around, grab some snacks, maybe even take some selfies like we used to."

Beatrice laughed and stood up, linking her arm with Aries’s. "God, I remember our old photo gallery. We had the most random shots. Half blurry, half embarrassing."

"That’s what makes them fun," Aries said with a grin. "Let’s go make new ones."

The two of them strolled through the nearby park, shaded by tall trees with golden leaves already starting to fall. The warm afternoon breeze and the soft crunch of dry grass beneath their feet brought a sense of nostalgia between them.

Passing a cotton candy vendor, Aries dragged Beatrice over and bought the biggest swirl they had.

"You’re still a sugar monster," Beatrice teased, laughing as Aries took a big bite.

"Don’t judge me. This is my emotional support snack," Aries said, dramatically patting the fluffy treat.

They took photos near the fountain, made silly faces, and even tried to sneak pictures of a couple doing yoga with a huge dog beside them.

Beatrice hadn’t laughed this much in weeks.

As they sat on a bench overlooking the pond, Aries nudged her again. "Thank you, by the way. For still being here. For not giving up on Theo."

Beatrice looked at her friend and smiled warmly. "You’re both worth it."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching a group of kids race paper boats across the water.

As Aries and Beatrice walked along the paved path, catching up and laughing over silly memories, a small, trembling voice stopped them in their tracks.

"Excuse me..."

Both women turned.

A little girl stood a few steps away, hugging a worn stuffed rabbit to her chest. Her hair was slightly messy, her cheeks blotchy from crying. She looked no older than five or six, and her big brown eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

Aries immediately knelt to her level. "Hi there, are you okay?"

The little girl sniffled and shook her head. "I... I can’t find my mommy."

Beatrice’s expression softened as she stepped closer, scanning the area instinctively. "Do you know where you last saw her, sweetheart?"

The girl nodded, clutching her stuffed rabbit tighter. "Near the bathroom. She felt dizzy... and then when I came back from looking at balloons, she was lying on the floor. I didn’t know what to do..."

Aries’s heart clenched. "It’s okay. You did the right thing coming to find help."

"Can you help her?" the girl asked, voice shaky. "She’s not moving..."

Beatrice and Aries exchanged a concerned look. Aries rose to her feet and reached for the girl’s hand.

"Of course. Take us to her."

The little girl nodded and quickly turned, leading them toward the far end of the park. As they walked, the cheerful sounds of the park began to fade. The path turned quieter, more isolated, and shaded by thick trees.

"This is a bit far," Beatrice murmured, glancing around. "Why didn’t anyone else see her collapse?"

"Maybe it just happened," Aries said, quickening her pace slightly.

The little girl pointed toward a small building up ahead. "She’s inside. The women’s bathroom. She’s still there."

Aries slowed down, glancing at Beatrice.

"Stay with the girl. I’ll check it out first."

Beatrice nodded as Aries pushed the restroom door open cautiously.

Inside, the space was dim, with only two flickering lights above. The tile floor was cold and slightly damp from the humidity, but eerily quiet.

"Hello?" Aries called out, her voice echoing slightly. "Is anyone in here?"

No answer.

She stepped further in.

Meanwhile, outside, Beatrice kept the little girl close, crouching beside her. "Don’t worry, your mommy’s in good hands."

The girl was quiet now, too quiet. Her crying had stopped, and the tension in her tiny shoulders had disappeared. She didn’t look scared anymore. Just... blank.

Beatrice’s instincts twitched.

"Hey... what’s your name again?"

The little girl tilted her head. "Carla."

"Carla, how long has your mom been lying there?"

The girl didn’t answer.

Beatrice slowly stood up. Her grip tightened around the handle of the compact stun baton clipped to her belt.

Then she heard it. A loud thud from inside the restroom.

Beatrice’s eyes widened. "Aries?!"

No answer.

The little girl finally looked up at Beatrice again, her voice suddenly devoid of all warmth.

"She’s not waking up this time."

Beatrice didn’t wait. She bolted toward the restroom door, heart pounding, as she yanked the door open...