Sophia felt like her picture-perfect life burst like a bubble when her husband left her and their daughter Grace.

Although Grace pretended that everything was fine, she missed her dad dearly. All of a sudden, her vibrant personality was replaced with a subdued demeanor. She became quiet and rather sad, and there was not much Sophia could do about it because she was hurt herself and finding the strength to move on seemed to be harder that she has ever anticipated.

One day, Sophia suggested that she and Grace pay a visit to the girl’s grandmother who lived miles away. The trip was supposed to be a gateway from the reality both of them were forced to face.

Grace was hesitant and wasn’t willing to travel, but her mom insisted, and the girl finally agreed.

The trip was a long one, and the car was filled with awkward silence. As Grace kept her face stuck to the glass of the car’s door, she complained about the ride which seemed longer than usual.

In an attempt to cheer her a bit, Sophia played Grace’s favorite song. The girl did smile, but she was too sad to sing.

As the two drove, Grace yelled. She spotted a man in the middle of the highway holding a sign. The sign had the word “Help” written on it. She asked her mother to stop and see what was wrong with the stranger who seemed desperate for aid.

The man looked worn out, his clothes were torn and grimy. As he tried to approach them, Sophia’s heart started racing. Without giving it a second thought, she started the engine and continued driving.

Grace was mad. She insisted her mom stop again and help the hopeless man, but Sophia refused. Instead, she drove as fast as she could and then pulled over at a gas station because she was desperate for some break from the long drive. She asked Grace to get out of the vehicle, but she was too upset to move and insisted to wait for her mother inside.

Sophia got herself a cup of coffee and bought Grace a bar of chocolate, but when she returned to the car, Grace was nowhere to be seen.