The ocean breeze hit differently here, away from the urgency I was used to back in Silicon Valley.

I'd forgotten what it felt like to breathe without checking my phone every few seconds. My sister had practically pushed me onto the plane, insisting I needed this break from running my tech empire.

She'd insisted the beautiful beaches, great surfing, and lack of crowds made it the perfect place to relax. Looking back now, I wonder if she knew what she was setting in motion.

I'd been in this small coastal town for three days, and while its charm was undeniable — all weathered boardwalks and salt-sprayed storefronts — I felt like a fish out of water.

The locals moved at their peaceful rhythm, while I still vibrated with the energy of quarterly reports and board meetings. Even my temporary rental cottage, with its shabby-chic furniture and views of the sunset, felt like someone else's life I was trying on for size.

That morning, I decided to burn off some of this restless energy with a run through the quiet streets.

The fog was just lifting, and the early sun painted everything in soft gold. My expensive running shoes felt out of place on these worn sidewalks, just like I did.

A few early risers nodded hello as they walked their dogs or opened their shops. Their easy smiles made me realize how long it had been since I'd exchanged simple pleasantries with strangers.

"Mister, wait! Mister! I know you!"

I froze mid-stride, my heart suddenly racing faster than my run had caused. A little girl, maybe eight years old, was running toward me, her wild curls bouncing with each step.

Before I could process what was happening, her small hand grabbed mine.

"Mister, come with me! To my mom! Come on!"

I gently but firmly pulled my hand away, alarm bells ringing in my head. "Wait, little one. What's your name? And how do you know me?"

She looked up at me with eyes so earnest it almost hurt. "My name's Miranda! Your picture is in my mom's wallet! I see it all the time!"

Her words hit me like a physical blow. My picture? In her mom's wallet? I took a step back, my mind racing through possibilities.

"Miranda, that's... that's impossible. I don't know anyone here."

"Yes, you do! You know my mom!"

She reached for my hand again, but I kept it safely at my side. The morning sun caught her features just right, and something about her profile tugged at my memory, but I couldn't place it.

"Listen, I can't just follow a child I don't know. Who's your mom? And why would she have my picture?"

"Julia! My mom's name is Julia!" She bounced on her toes, practically vibrating with excitement. "She looks at your picture sometimes when she thinks I'm not watching. She gets all quiet after."

Julia? I searched my memory, but the name only brought up vague recollections of business meetings and casual introductions. Nothing significant enough to warrant having my photo in anyone's wallet.

Yet something about this child's certainty made me hesitate to just walk away.