Alexander Hayes got out of his black SUV just as the sun was starting to turn the city streets golden. He was accustomed to the commotion of upscale boardrooms, opulent hotels and private airports as the CEO of Hayes Innovations, but today was different. Something drew him back to his childhood home in the more sedate area of the city today.

He strolled towards the local bakery after adjusting the sleeves of his fitted coat. It was the sole remnant of his early years that remained unchanged. The smell of warm cinnamon filled the air, bringing back memories of her in particular that he hadn’t touched in years.

Sophie.

The name reverberated in his chest, causing his heart to stop. Since they were sixteen, he had not seen her. She had once posted a supportive message to his locker prior to a major science competition, and she had been his best friend and secret lover. He recalled how she believed in him before anybody else did, the sunflower clips in her hair, and the gentle lilt of her giggle.

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His phone buzzed with a notification while he was walking, but he was stopped by something.

A tiny voice.

“I’m cold, Mommy.”

As Alexander turned to face the caller, he noticed a young woman sitting on the pavement with two similar small daughters in her protective arms. The twins’ matching coats were too thin for the winter weather, and their cheeks were rosy with cold, giving the impression that they were no older than three.

Until he saw the woman’s face, he might have continued to walk.