~invisibleplayground

Around three o'clock this afternoon a lady came over to me, (cause I was making coffees and everyone tells their problems to the coffee maker), to tell me there was a little girl sitting down in the toddler area crying.
So i turned off the steamer and set my jug of frothing milk down, and set of for the brief 10m walk to the toddler area.
I figured the little girl was over by those two other ladies crouching down. So I stepped over there, and i crouched down in front of the girl.
"She's been here for a while..We think she's got a disability cause she can't stand..Maybe cerebral palsy."
I think she was about 4 and a half.
I accidentally said "Hmm" aloud, looking around for a mother, sighing inwardly.
Kneeling at her height, I looked at her, and opened my arms. I know from my second cousin that people with disabilities can sometimes hate you. So I figured i didn't want to upset her further by randomly touching her.
I smiled, and made that little, 'come here' motion with my fingers.
"Here sweetie, come with me, we'll go find mommy?"
"Go on hun, go with the nice lady" - Another adult joining my cause.
There was a flicker of recognition in her eyes and she seemed to relax a little, and something in her facial expression said it was okay.
The poor thing was crying and dribbling a little, (I always keep a napkin in my pocket for some reason) so I pulled that out with a magical flourish and gave her chin and nose a little wipe, before carefully lifting her and cradling her tiny frame in my oh so muscular arms.
Another lovely lady opened the gate for me so i could leave the toddler area, and i walked slowly to the counter, giving time for either of her parents to intercept me if they saw me.
She sort of snuggled into my shoulder as i held her close, scared i would break her.
Arrived at the counter.
"Hey Kate, um, this little girls lost, and I think she's got a disability, so she can't tell me her name or anything..."
"Oh...hmm. Kay. Hold on, whats she wearing? Blue jeans..Pink shirt..pigtails..okay. I'll make an announcement."
"Kay."
Before Kate could get close enough to the microphone her mommy came up and took her from my arms.
I was quite saddened. I can't say I minded holding her.
I went to go finish making coffees and my hands were shaking too much for some reason so i had to stop.
I retired to napkin folding.