Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Uh-huh..."

Rebecca White paused to think about what a child should eat that's both healthy and nutritious.

What's available in the supermarket?

"Sandwiches? Rice balls? How about these?"

"Uh-huh!" James nodded eagerly.

"Alright, let's go!"

Rebecca White turned to leave, but felt a tug at the hem of her shirt. Looking back, she saw James reaching out to her.

"Hug!"

He couldn't get down from the high crate he was on.

Rebecca raised an eyebrow, lifted James up into her arms, and couldn't resist planting a kiss on his chubby cheek.

"Can't get down, huh? How did you even climb up there... Come on, let's get something to eat."

They left the warehouse and headed to the self-service food section outside.

"Which flavor do you want?"

"This one..."

"Alright."

James chose a tuna sandwich, and Rebecca heated it up for him, placing a bottle of milk in front of him. "Enjoy."

James grabbed the sandwich with both hands, cheeks puffed out as he ate. "Thank you, sis."

"Take your time, I can get more if you're still hungry."

Despite his small size, the kid sure had a big appetite.

With the immediate problem of hunger solved, Rebecca faced a larger issue.

While James was eating, Rebecca went to find the manager.

Pointing at James, she asked, "Any parents reported a missing kid? He must've gotten separated while shopping with his folks." They must be frantic by now.

"A missing kid?"

However, the manager seemed clueless, shaking his head. "No reports..."

"Really?"

Rebecca was surprised. How could that be?

"Maybe the parents are still looking and haven't contacted us yet. I'll check around. Stay with the chi

"Sure, manager."

After the manager left, Rebecca returned

to James, wiping his messy

face and hands with a wet Wiessy

she

sat beside him.

"So, what's your name, buddy?"

Looking up earnestly, James replied, "Sis, I'm James."

Such a little adult, speaking so formally.

belongs

"James." Rebecca nodded. "How come you're here all by yourself? Got separated from your folks?"

"Not lost." James shook his head. "Dad's at work. No mom. Great-grandma's at home."

What?

Rebecca was taken aback.

Such a little guy... came to the supermarket by himself?

"So..."

lhet

Rebecca thought for a moment before e asking, "Do you remember your dad's phone number? Or maybe your great-grandma's?"

James frowned in thought before shaking his head. "Don't remember."

Now that's a problem.

"Rebecca White."

The manager approached.

"I've asked around, no one's reported a missing child..."

"I just found out the kid doesn't remember any phone numbers."

Exchanging glances, they both looked at James, "Guess we'll have to call the police then."

The manager went to call the police, leaving Rebecca to stay with James.

It wasn't long before a police officer arrived.

Rebecca was just handing James a lollipop, "Only one, okay? Too many and you'll get cavities."

"Okay..." James took it, cuddling into Rebecca's arms with a bright smile, "Thank you, sis. You're so nice!"

Rebecca chuckled, amused at how easily pleased children can be.

She was also relieved that James had ended up in the supermarket instead of encountering danger elsewhere...

The manager led the police officer over, "Is this the child?"

"Yes," Rebecca quickly stood up, holding James in her arms.

The officer approached, extending his hands, "Please hand him over to me."