Nim spotted the red apple sign before Mum did.
He splashed across a puddle outside the corner shop. His green toes made starry drops on the pavement.
"Slow legs, speedy eyes," Mum said, laughing. "Stay close, Nim."
On Nim's ankle was a yellow band with a tiny lily pad picture. Mum had written her name and phone number inside.
⁂
Inside, the shop smelled of warm bread and oranges. Baskets bumped, tins clicked, and the till went ping.
Nim held Mum's sleeve while she chose mushrooms. Then he saw a jar of bright red buttons beside the socks.
"Just looking," he whispered, only for one second.
He hopped two shelves away. A tall trolley rolled past with a squeaky wheel.
When it moved on, Mum was gone.
Nim's mouth went dry. His knees tucked close to his belly, and his fingers gripped the basket handle.
"Mum?" he called. His voice came out thin.
A lady reached for pasta. A boy picked biscuits. Nobody was Mum.
If you are lost, find a shop worker and ask for help.
Nim swallowed hard. Mum had said those words three times before every busy trip.
He wiped his eyes with both sleeves. Then he looked for a blue apron.
⁂
At the far counter stood Mrs Reed, the shop worker. She wore a blue apron and a banana-shaped badge.
Nim's feet would not move at first. He counted one, two, three, then hopped.
"Excuse me," he said. "I am lost. Please can you help me find my mum?"
Mrs Reed bent down until her kind eyes were level with his. "You did exactly the right thing."
Nim lifted his ankle. The yellow band shone under the counter light.
Mrs Reed read the writing carefully. "There we are. I will ring your mum now."
Nim sat on a little stool beside the till. His toes tapped fast, fast, fast.
Mrs Reed stayed beside him. "Tell me one thing in your basket," she said.
"Mushrooms," Nim whispered. Then he managed, "And maybe red buttons."
The shop door crashed open. Mum rushed in, scarf flying behind her.
"Nim!" she cried.
He jumped from the stool and ran straight into her arms.
Mum held him so tightly his cheeks squished. Nim's tears dotted her coat like rain.
"I found a shop worker," he said into her scarf. "Like you told me."
"Yes, my clever little frog," Mum said. "And your ankle band helped too."
Mrs Reed smiled and gave Nim a sticker shaped like an apple.
They bought mushrooms, bread, and one small jar of red buttons. Nim held Mum's hand all the way home.
