"Aunty Sarah!"
Sarah turned at the sound of the familiar little voice. A beautiful smile immediately spread across her face as she watched Samantha running towards her.
"Look who's here!" Sarah exclaimed, opening her arms.
Samantha ran straight into her embrace.
"Here you are! I thought I wasn't going to see you today!" she said excitedly. "I missed you so much, and I have so many things to tell you!"
Sarah laughed, gently wrapping her arms around her.
"Easy there, sweetheart! I missed you too."
"Really? I thought you had forgotten about us."
"Oh, no! How could I forget about you?"
Joseph approached them, smiling as he watched the two.
"Um, Samantha, could you please allow our guest to have some breathing space for a second?" he called out playfully.
Samantha suddenly loosened her embrace and looked at Sarah.
"I'm sorry, Aunty Sarah. I just missed you."
Sarah couldn't help but burst into laughter. She had been holding it in while staring at the adorable little girl in front of her.
"Come on, sweetheart. There's no need to apologise. I know you missed me, and I missed you too."
She gently caressed Samantha's cheek before turning towards Joseph.
"Good afternoon, Joseph."
"Good afternoon, Sarah. It's so good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too. I hope I haven't interrupted anything?"
"Not at all. We were actually preparing to close for the day."
Sarah glanced around at the shop.
"Oh, I see. I hope I'm not too late, then?"
Joseph chuckled.
"Well, let's just say someone here has been asking about you every five minutes since afternoon."
"Daddy!" Samantha protested.
Sarah burst into laughter.
"Really? Well, I'm sorry I kept you waiting, sweetheart. I only returned from my trip today, and I had to freshen up before coming over. But I remembered my promise, and I couldn't let you down."
Samantha's face brightened again.
"So you didn't forget?"
"Of course not, darling."
Sarah then reached for her handbag.
"Now, come here. I brought something special for you."
Samantha's eyes widened with excitement.
"You brought me something?"
"Of course! Did you think I would come all the way here without bringing you a little gift?"
Samantha squealed happily and hugged her again.
Joseph shook his head with amusement.
"Sarah, I hope you know that you've just made it difficult for me to get her to finish closing this shop."
Sarah laughed.
"Then perhaps I should help you before she forgets all about the work."
"That's a good idea," Joseph replied.
Samantha looked between the two adults before speaking.
"But, Daddy, can't we close later? I want to spend time with Aunty Sarah!"
Joseph and Sarah exchanged amused glances.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," Sarah assured her. "I'm not going anywhere just yet. We have plenty of time to talk."
With that reassurance, Samantha finally allowed her father to finish packing up the shop, although she stayed close to Sarah, holding her hand and occasionally looking up at her with a bright smile.
For Sarah, it was a heartwarming sight. She had only met the little girl and her father once, yet somehow, their simple kindness and warmth had made a lasting impression on her.