Eliza’s expression hardened. “Thought I got rid of you,” she muttered.

“I just wanted to meet you,” Eric said, his voice trembling.

Eliza smirked. “Fine. Sit down. Maybe you’ll be useful.” Her friends chuckled as Eric sank into a chair, feeling out of place.

After a while, Eliza glanced toward the counter. “Time to leave. Let’s go before the old man catches on.”

As they stood to leave, Eric hesitated. “But we haven’t paid,” he said.

“That’s not how the world works, kid,” Eliza replied, snatching the cash from Eric’s backpack.

The old man at the counter noticed. “Hey! You didn’t pay!” he shouted.

“Run!” Eliza yelled, dashing out. Eric had no choice but to follow. Police lights flashed nearby, and as Eliza ran past him, she shoved him. “I told you—I don’t have any kids!” she shouted, disappearing into the night.

A police car pulled up beside Eric. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said, tears in his eyes. “I tried to pay, but she took my money.”

An officer placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder, guiding him into the backseat gently.

At the police station, Eric was led to a small room where he was given a cup of tea. His heart skipped when he saw the Johnsons talking to an officer nearby. Mrs. Johnson rushed over, wrapping him in a tight hug. “Eric! We were so worried!”

Mr. Johnson approached. “Why did you run off like that?”

“I wanted to find my mom,” Eric admitted, “but she wasn’t what I expected.”

Mrs. Johnson’s face softened. “We consider ourselves your parents.”

Mr. Johnson nodded. “We’re sorry if we didn’t make that clear.”

Eric looked at them. “I thought you might not want me anymore, now that you have Mila.”

Mrs. Johnson hugged him again. “We don’t give up on our children.”

“You’re as much our child as Mila is,” Mr. Johnson added. “That’s never going to change.”

Tears fell as Eric realized he had found his real family. Mr. Johnson continued, “This trip was actually for you—to tell you we want you to officially be our son.”

Mrs. Johnson added, “All the paperwork is ready, but only if you want it.”

Eric hugged them both, finally feeling at home.