My pulse was racing as I rushed to the woman. Excuse me! Hey, where did you get that backpack? I begged, my voice trembling. She shot me a worried, bewildered look. Give it to my daughter, please. I’ll give you anything, including money, so please give it to me.

She handed the woman the backpack after giving it to her with caution. I thanked her profusely, gave her some money, and held the bag up to my chest. But when I opened it, my heart sank. It was nude. completely lacking. I had terrible thoughts flying through my head. What had happened to Amber? What was the purpose of her backpack here?

As for me, I came to understand the true strength of a parent’s love. My fear of losing Amber had tested me to the breaking point, but it had also strengthened my resolve and optimism. We had triumphed over the worst and come out of it a more cohesive and stronger team.

Even though Amber’s disappearance was the hardest thing I had ever experienced, it eventually made our relationship stronger. We were ready for anything that life would throw at us since we were a team. And I was confident that, with Amber at my side, we could conquer any obstacle.

Our story ended well, and I was thankful for it every day. The fact that Amber was safe was all that mattered. Having found one other in the shadows, we had worked together to figure out how to return to the light.