Kaitlin turned the lights in the office, frowning as she saw Laura had appeared to have left in a rush. Grunting in frustration she placed the meals down before looking over Laura's desk. "She didnt even turn her computer off."
Placing the food on the desk, Kaitlin began to rub her chin thoughtfully. This was definitely out of character for Laura. The woman she knew was one of the most responsible people she knew. She wouldnt have left work like this without a reason. Glancing back outside Kaitlin could see Laura's car and the little girl.
The girl looked like she couldn't be 8 or 9 years old. While there was a resemblance to Laura, Kaitlin didnt recall her ever mentioning that she had a niece. What was abundantly clear though was that the girl looked close to tears.
Kaitlin couldn't help but feel a great deal of pity as she gazed at the child. The little brunette looked lost and scared. Sighing Kaitlin now made her way towards the front door.
Laura was despondent as she now stood in the parking lot. In a little over an hour she had gone from a professional woman in her early 40s to a young girl of 8. She had no money, no place to go, and no way to fix this. Laura could feel her eyes dampen as she sunk into despair. This surprised her though, she wasnt the kind of person to cry over a tough situation. Was she becoming younger not just in body but in mind? Glancing over herself she sniffed. It didnt matter, she was only 8 years old now. Now tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
"Hey kid you hungry?"
Laura wiped her eyes as she now looked towards the voice. Kaitlin had opened the door, a frown on her face but seemingly wanting to make sure Laura was safe. Laura wiped her eyes nodding, causing Kaitlin to sigh.
"Listen," Kaitlin sighed. "My friend looks like she left in a hurry. I got some extra food. Why dont you come in."
Laura now began to trudge towards Kaitlin, craning her neck to now look up at her much taller friend. "Thank you Kaitlin," Laura sniffed.
Kaitlin seemed to cringe as she looked at Laura's red rimmed eyes. "Geez kid," she sighed. "Look dont make such a big thing out of it. I've never really been good with kids but it's getting dark out. Really cant have you sitting in a parking lot crying."
Laura sighed, offering a meek apology as Kaitlin closed the door. While she was at least back in the office and had access to her purse and food; trying to convince Kaitlin who she was, was going to be a giant effort.