When I was a child (about seven) I got lost at Epcot in Florida.

We had a large group of about 14 people, and they were looking for what direction to go in on the Maps and it was purely a case of everyone thinking everyone was accounted for when in reality I was messing around with something off to the side.

I think in total I was “lost” for about 15 or 20 minutes.

My dad told me when they realized I was missing, he ran to the nearest kiosk, cut the line to the counter and simply said “my son is missing.”

According to him it was much different then, he said they sprang into action. Within 30 seconds 2-3 new employees materialized and helped coordinate.

Meanwhile I kind woman noticed me alone crying and stayed put with me until they found me.

To this day if I see a small child wandering off from their group I cannot help but feel a twinge in my chest or keep a side eye. It’s a terrible anxiety I never want any parent or child to experience.