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Encounter
Taking a deep breath, Meg proceeded, knowing she had no choice but to retrieve Ruth, though she was ashamed to admit thoughts of slowly backing away crossed her mind. The crew would determine who her parents were eventually, wouldn’t they? Charlie would keep her safe until Kelly and Daniel could come and get her, no doubt. Pushing those thoughts aside, and praying that he did not recognize her or ask any questions, she marched onward, trying to focus on the child and avoid those green eyes at all cost.
“Ruth!” she admonished, “there you are! Aunt Meg has been looking everywhere for you, sweetheart.”
Ruth hung her head only slightly before meeting Meg’s eyes and saying, in her angelic baby voice, “The scarf blew away!”
“Oh, my,” Meg said, shaking her head. “Next time, wait for Aunty Meg, darling.” She opened her arms and Ruth came to her, still clutching the scarf in her balled up fist.
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