The Frayed Ribbon — R.W. Hart

Gail Rollins is in the hospital with a high-risk pregnancy under doctors orders for bed rest when several car crashes cause the ER to be overrun with severely injured victims. In an effort to help, Gail befriends a lonely young girl named Lexie. Gail cares for Lexie and even calms her screams at night. They become attached, especially when Lexies parents disappear.

In an effort to comfort the now panicked Lexie, Gail gives her a dog ornament to cuddle while she sleeps. Soon, though, Gail is released from the hospitala birthday gift from her doctor. She comes back later to check on Lexie only to find the little girl gone. She tries desperately to locate Lexie but runs into privacy laws and red tape.

For years, every one of Gails birthdays act as a reminder of the girl she failed to protect. Having exhausted all avenues that might lead her to Lexie, her hope hangs on a puppy decoration and a prayer. Lexie is never far from Gails mind. Will she discover what happened to the lonely child, or will Lexie become another lost face in the desolate crowd?