Ethan worked in a corporate office and didn't have much time to spend with his three-year-old son, Nathan. Ever since his wife passed away, Ethan had worried that Nathan might feel lonely. The air smelled of fresh grass and blooming flowers as they entered the park, the afternoon sun warm against their skin.

As they walked, Nathan's laughter rang out, clear and joyous like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. For a moment, Ethan felt lighter, like he was finally doing something right as a father. Nathan's tiny hand was firmly in his, tugging him forward with boundless energy that seemed to radiate from his small body. Suddenly, Nathan spotted an ice cream truck up ahead, its cheerful music drifting across the park, and without warning, began to pull Ethan toward it, his excitement bubbling over like soda from a shaken bottle.

"Daddy, ice cream!" Nathan cried, practically dragging Ethan along. Ethan couldn't help but smile as he followed, giving in to his son's demands. When they reached the truck, Ethan pulled out his wallet to pay, briefly letting go of Nathan's hand. But Nathan, easily bored and full of curiosity, slipped away the second Ethan wasn't looking.

It wasn't until Ethan handed over the money that he realized Nathan was gone. His heart stopped for a moment as he looked around, panic setting in like ice water in his veins. "Nathan?" he called, his voice strained. He quickly apologized to the ice cream man and hurried off in search of his son. Meanwhile, Nathan was already off on his adventure, chasing a bushy-tailed squirrel that darted across the grass, its claws clicking against the pavement as it scampered up a tree.