KAYLA

The mall was a nightmare of last-minute shoppers, screeching kids, and the endless loop of "Jingle Bell Rock."

By the time I finally finished buying the last of the toys for my eight years old daughter, my arms were aching, and my feet felt like they were made of lead. Being a single mom was a full-time marathon, but I couldn't complain. Not when I had my Adeline. My sweet little girl.

I stepped into the elevator, my heavy shopping bags clutched in both hands. It was packed. People were squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder, and I was forced toward the very back corner. The doors slid shut, and the elevator began...