“Hey, buddy,” I called out, forcing a smile. “You lost?”

He didn’t answer. Just tilted his head slightly, eyes locked on me like I was the one out of place.

I walked over, keeping my voice calm. “Where are your parents?”

Finally, he spoke. “They’re waiting for you.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What do you mean? Where are they?”

He didn’t answer. Just turned and walked slowly toward the back of the store, into the darkened aisles.

I followed, heart pounding, but when I rounded the corner, he was gone. Just empty shelves and silence.

Searched the whole store, even checked outside. Nothing. By the time I locked up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was still watching.

Got home, sat in the dark, and whispered, “Yes, friend. This is fine.”

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5630807&forum_id=2:#48314576)