I woke up to an eerie silence. Our apartment was empty, and my mom was nowhere to be found. I rubbed my sleepy eyes, thinking it was just a dream, but when I opened them again, the silence was still there. I jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen, calling out for my mom. "Mom? Mom? Where are you?" My voice echoed off the walls, but there was no response.

I ran to the living room, my heart beating fast. I looked around, but Mom wasn't there. I counted the couch, the TV, and the coffee table – three things she loved to use. But where was she? I checked under the coffee table, just in case she was hiding, but she wasn't there either. Next, I searched the kitchen. "Maybe she's in the kitchen making breakfast!" I exclaimed to myself. I looked on the counter, where she usually makes yummy pancakes. I saw the mixing bowl, the whisk, and the kitchen scale – all the tools she needs to make a delicious meal. But Mom was nowhere to be found. I rushed to my bedroom, where I keep all my favorite toys and books. I looked under my bed, in my toy box, and even inside my closet. I counted my stuffed animals – five of them were sitting on my bed, watching me with their big, cuddly eyes. But Mom was still missing. Where could she be? I had to keep searching!

I took a deep breath and wiped my tears with my sleeve. Where was Mom? I looked around, but all I saw were strange faces rushing past me in the crowded market. I felt scared and alone. I didn't know what to do. I cried out loud, "Waaaah! Mommy! Please come back!" But she didn't come. I lay down on the floor, my body shaking with sobs. Suddenly, a gentle voice whispered in my ear, "Hey, little one, are you okay?" It was a kind old lady with a warm smile. She had a colorful scarf tied around her head, and her eyes twinkled like the stars on a clear night. I sniffled and looked up at her. She handed me a small, shiny stone. "This is a special comfort stone," she said. "It will help you feel better when you're scared or alone." I took the stone, feeling its smooth surface in my palm. The lady told me that scientists had discovered that holding a small object can calm us down when we're feeling anxious. I didn't understand what that meant, but I felt a little better already. The lady asked me to count backwards from ten to one with her, and as we counted, my tears started to dry up. I took another deep breath, and with the comfort stone in my hand, I felt brave enough to start searching for Mom again.

I heard the door unlock and swung open. I couldn't contain my excitement as I saw my mom walk in, a big smile on her face. I ran to her and flung my arms around her waist, squeezing tightly. She lifted me up and twirled me around, laughing. "I'm so sorry I scared you! I was just running errands," she said, hugging me back. I looked up at her, still feeling a bit teary-eyed. "I was so scared! Don't leave me again, please!" Mom set me down and took a deep breath. "I promise, kiddo. I'll always come back to you. And to make it up to you, how about we have a special dinner together? We can make some pizza and learn about fractions while we cook!" My eyes lit up at the idea. "Yeah! I love pizza!" Mom smiled and we headed into the kitchen together, arm in arm. As we began to mix and measure the ingredients, I learned that fractions are a way to show part of a whole. We made a delicious pizza with different toppings, and I got to practice my adding and subtracting skills. It was the best dinner ever, and I was so grateful to have my mom back home.

I ran to the door as fast as my little legs could carry me. I threw it open, and there she was, my mom! She had a big smile on her face, and I couldn't help but smile back. We hugged each other tightly, both of us relieved to be together again. "Mom, I was so scared when you didn't come home," I said, still feeling a bit shaky. "I'm sorry, sweetie," Mom said, stroking my hair. "I promise to always let you know where I'm going from now on. No more surprises!" "I love you, Mom!" I exclaimed, feeling happy and safe again. We walked into the kitchen together, hand in hand. Mom explained that she had gone to the library to research about a new species of butterfly that had just been discovered. I was fascinated! "Did you know, Mom, that butterflies taste with their feet?" I asked, proud of my own knowledge. Mom smiled. "That's right, kiddo! You're a great learner. And you know what? I learned something new today too. I learned that communication is key, and that I should always let you know where I'm going." I nodded, feeling happy that we both learned something new. From now on, I knew that we would always be open and honest with each other. And who knows, maybe one day we'd go on a butterfly-watching adventure together!