Unmasking the Heart

Isabella's mom's voice on the other end of the call was strict. "You know what I told you about strangers. You should go home the way I taught you."

"Yes, Mom." Isabella's voice broke with disappointment. She took a deep breath, masking her sadness. "I love you."

"Mummy loves you so much," came her mother's softer reply.

Isabella ended the call and handed Joi's phone back with a small, forced smile.

"My mom said no, so I can't follow you. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, her voice resolute but tinged with disappointment as she turned to walk away.

"Isabella, hold on for a minute," Joi called after her, her thoughts racing. She quickly redialed the number Isabella had just used.

The call connected after a few rings. "I believe you're Isabella's mom?" Joi asked, cutting straight to the point.

"Yes, who is this?" came the guarded reply.

"I'm Joi. I just saw your daughter leaving school alone, and frankly, I don't think it's safe for someone her age to be walking home by herself," Joi said firmly, trying to keep her tone respectful.

"Do you want to lecture me on how to take care of my child?" Isabella's mom shot back, her voice laced with irritation.

"Not at all," Joi replied evenly. "I just want to offer some help. Isabella stays alone at home, and it must be hard for her. If you're okay with it, I can watch over her until you're off work and can pick her up."

There was silence on the other end before Isabella's mom responded coldly, "Would you let a stranger take your child? How can I trust you?"

"I understand your concern," Joi replied calmly. "I can send you my ID and house address. If anything goes wrong, you're free to report me to the authorities."

Another pause followed, longer this time. Sensing hesitation, Joi pressed further. "It's not safe for her to follow the same route every day. What if someone's been watching her? Do you really want to take that risk?"

"I've trained my child well, and nothing has happened to her so far. If anything happens now, it'll be on you," Isabella's mom snapped before abruptly ending the call.

Joi sighed, frustration and sadness swirling within her. She turned to Isabella, crouching down to her level.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Joi said softly, forcing a smile.

Isabella nodded, swallowing hard as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Without another word, she turned and started walking away, her steps slow and heavy.

---

"Why are you suddenly so interested in Isabella?" Debbie asked as she walked alongside Joi, both watching the little girl's retreating figure.

"I don't know," Joi admitted quietly, her gaze fixed on Isabella. "I just... like her."

Before Debbie could respond, Joi's phone rang again. The caller ID displayed an unknown number. Recognizing it as Isabella's mom's, she quickly answered.

"Hello?" Joi's tone was cautious yet hopeful.

"Has Isabella left yet?" The voice on the other end was calmer this time, almost hesitant.

"Yes, she's walking home right now," Joi replied, her pace quickening to catch up with Isabella.

"You're right," Isabella's mom said after a pause. "I don't know much about my neighborhood, and it's not safe for her. If you're willing, I'd like her to stay with you until I get off work. I'll pick her up afterward."

Relief flooded Joi's chest. "Of course. I'll send you my address right away."

"Thank you," Isabella's mom said, her voice softening further. "And I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier."

"It's fine. Parenting is hard. I understand."

"Are you a parent yourself?" the woman asked curiously.

"No, but I've worked as a nanny before. I love children," Joi explained.

"That's good to hear. Thanks again. I need to get back to work now."

"Take care," Joi said before the line disconnected.

---

Joi's heart lifted as she approached Isabella. "Isabella!" she called out, her voice bright.

The little girl stopped and turned, her expression unsure.

"Your mom changed her mind," Joi said with a warm smile. "She said it's okay for you to stay with me."

Isabella's face lit up. "Really?!" She ran back toward Joi and grabbed her hand.

"Really," Joi confirmed. She began to lead her away, but a sharp voice interrupted.

"Who are you, and why are you taking Isabella?"

Joi turned to see a stern-looking woman approaching them. "Who are you?" Joi countered, her voice steady.

"I'm Mrs. Bell, her teacher. We monitor who takes the children from school. That's why I'm asking," the woman said, her tone firm.

"I was authorized by her mother to take her," Joi explained. "I can provide my details if needed."

Mrs. Bell narrowed her eyes. "I'll need to call her mother to confirm."

"Go ahead," Joi said, holding her ground.

Mrs. Bell pulled out her phone and dialed the number. Several tries later, the call remained unanswered.

"She must be busy. I told you, I'm authorized to take her. You can take my details if you'd like," Joi insisted.

"I can't let her leave without confirmation," Mrs. Bell said firmly. "If you persist, I'll have to call security—or the cops."

Joi's patience frayed. "Try calling her again," she said, her tone clipped.

Mrs. Bell glared but complied. This time, the call connected.

"Hello, Mrs. Bell," Isabella's mom greeted.

"Good day, ma'am. Someone said she's here for Isabella. Did you authorize this?"

"Yes, Joi is allowed to take Isabella," Isabella's mom confirmed.

Mrs. Bell glanced at Joi. "What's your name, ma'am?"

"Joi," she said curtly.

Mrs. Bell ended the call and smiled stiffly. "I'm sorry for the trouble. You can take Isabella now."

Joi didn't respond. She took Isabella's hand and walked away, her strides purposeful.

---

"Are we going to your house now?" Isabella asked, looking up at Joi.

"Yes, we are." Joi smiled down at her.

She glanced at Mayra, still in Debbie's arms. "Why don't you walk by yourself and hold Isabella's hand? I'll buy you both some ice cream."

"We're just classmates, not friends," Mayra said with a haughty sniff. "My dad buys me better ice cream."

Debbie sighed. "She's always like this. Don't mind her."

Joi raised a brow but said nothing. At the ice cream truck, she bought Isabella a colorful mix of flavors.

"Thank you, Joi," Isabella said, her joy palpable as she scooped the treat.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," Joi replied warmly.

Mayra frowned. "Debbie, aren't you getting me one?"

"I forgot my card," Debbie lied smoothly.

"This is unfair!" Mayra muttered, eyeing Isabella's ice cream enviously.

Joi shook her head, calling the driver.