But the man held up a hand, halting her apology. “It’s alright,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. His eyes never left Max’s. “It’s just… I haven’t seen my grandson since he was a baby. I didn’t even think he’d remember me.”

The crowd around them seemed to release a collective sigh, a heartwarming scene unfolding before their eyes. Strangers exchanged glances, smiles creeping onto their faces. The air was charged with the magic of an unexpected reunion.

Sarah’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her. She looked at the man again, recognition replacing her initial confusion. “You’re… you’re Richard,” she said, almost as if testing the sound of the name on her tongue.

The man nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. “I’ve been trying to reach out for a while now. I was hoping to see you both someday.”