07/12/2025
MY LITTLE BROTHER GOT LOST AT THE PARADE—AND WHEN I FOUND HIM, A COP WAS KNEELING IN FRONT OF HIM
We’d been standing in line for over an hour—sweating, bored, and trying to keep the little ones entertained with juice boxes and sidewalk chalk. The parade hadn’t even started yet. Mom was in her folding chair chatting with a neighbor, and I was supposed to be watching Marcus.
But I blinked—and he was gone.
I dropped my slushie and started yelling his name, panic swelling in my throat. I ran up and down the block, heart pounding, scanning every crowd, every stroller. I couldn’t even cry—my body was too busy shaking.
And then I saw him.
Right in front of Gonzalez Auto Parts, near the front of the crowd.
A police officer was kneeling in front of Marcus, gently holding his wrist, wrapping something around it.
I slowed down, breath caught in my chest.
The officer looked up and gave me a calm nod. “He’s okay. Found him near the curb trying to find his way back.”
Marcus didn’t even look scared. Just fascinated by the little wristband the cop had given him. It had his name, my name, and Mom’s number on it.
I opened my mouth to thank him, but before I could speak, the officer pulled something else out of his pocket.
And said, “Actually… your brother already told me something I think you should hear.”
(continues in the first 🗨️⬇️)