I FOUND A TODDLER CRYING BAREFOOT IN THE PARKING LOT—BUT NO ONE CLAIMED TO KNOW

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the asphalt, as I found myself staring in disbelief at the security monitor. It was impossible, yet there it was—a shadow, clearly shaped like a small hand grasped by an unseen larger one, leading the barefoot toddler to the spot by the black sedan.

We replayed the footage several times, each loop confirming the inexplicable sight. The shadow held an invisible guide, and then, a blink later, the boy was standing alone, sobbing.