A Lost Child in Metro

.** Eight-year-old Aiden clutched his mother's hand as they navigated the bustling streets of the city. They were on their way to visit Aiden’s grandmother, a trip they made every few weeks. Today, however, was different. It was Aiden's first time on the metro, and he was brimming with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

As they descended into the underground station, the noise of the city faded, replaced by the echoes of train announcements and the hum of commuters. Aiden's eyes widened as he took in the scene: the colorful advertisements, the mosaic tiles on the walls, and the steady stream of people moving with purpose.

They approached the ticket barrier, and Aiden's mother handed him their tickets. He carefully inserted them into the machine, watching with fascination as they popped back out. They made their way to the platform, where a warm breeze heralded the arrival of the train. The doors slid open with a hiss, and they stepped inside, finding seats near the door.

Aiden pressed his face against the window, marveling at the dark tunnels and the occasional flashes of light as the train sped along. His mother rummaged through her bag, checking her phone and finding a book to read during the journey.

**The train stopped at several stations,** and more passengers boarded, filling the car. At one particularly busy stop, a group of tourists entered, chatting loudly and taking up space around them. In the confusion, Aiden's mother shifted in her seat, momentarily distracted by the commotion.

Aiden saw something outside the window that caught his eye – a performer juggling on the platform. Without thinking, he stood up to get a better look, moving closer to the doors. In the flurry of movement, the train doors suddenly closed, separating Aiden from his mother.

Panic set in as Aiden realized he was alone. He looked around, hoping to see his mother, but she was still inside the train, frantically searching for him. As the train pulled away, Aiden stood on the platform, tears welling up in his eyes.

**Aiden's heart raced.** He remembered his mother's instructions for emergencies – stay where you are and find a police officer or a station attendant. He looked around and spotted a uniformed metro employee near the entrance. Summoning his courage, he approached her.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice trembling. "I got separated from my mom on the train."

The employee, a kind woman named Ms. Ramirez, knelt down to Aiden's level. "Oh dear, let's get you some help. What's your name?"

"Aiden," he replied, wiping his eyes.

"Okay, Aiden. We're going to find your mom. Let's go to the station office and make an announcement."

They walked to the office, where Ms. Ramirez spoke to a colleague. Soon, an announcement echoed through the station, calling for Aiden's mother to return to the platform. Meanwhile, Ms. Ramirez offered Aiden a seat and a bottle of water, trying to keep him calm.

**Back on the train,** Aiden's mother was beside herself with worry. She had alerted the conductor, who radioed ahead to the next station. As the train pulled in, she rushed to the station office, relieved to hear the announcement about her son.

Aiden’s mother found her way back to the previous station, where she saw Aiden sitting with Ms. Ramirez. She ran to him, scooping him up in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down both their faces, but they were tears of relief.

**The ordeal was over,** and Aiden was safe. Ms. Ramirez smiled warmly at the reunited pair, glad to have helped. Aiden’s mother thanked her profusely, and they made their way back to the platform, this time holding hands even tighter than before.

As they boarded the next train, Aiden felt a sense of security and comfort. The metro ride continued, but the lesson was learned: always stay close, and in times of trouble, there are always kind strangers willing to help