SIX years have passed but for Losalini Lalaia, time stopped on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
It was the day her three-year-old daughter, Talei Raikadroka, vanished without a trace at Kalekana Settlement in Lami.
Today, at 29, Ms Lalaia still scans every passing crowd, every child’s laughter echoing through the settlement, hoping it might be her firstborn.
She tries to be strong to hide her pain. but on most days, dawn brings a moment of relentless waiting.
“That was the worst Saturday of my life,” she reminisced as tears flowed from her eyes.
“It is a day I will never forget.”
The night before Talei’s disappearance, the family had stayed with relatives.
Talei, fond of her grandfather, chose to sleep beside him.
“That night she slept with her grandfather. She was attached to him,” Ms Lalaia said.
But by morning, Talei was gone.
“When we woke up, we found Talei missing from the house. We searched around and even in the settlement but could not find her anywhere.”
Her partner had been out at sea fishing and returned later to hear the devastating news.
The following day, the family reported the matter to police.
Despite the years, Ms Lalaia’s instinct refuses to fade.
“My eyes are still looking out for her because I know she is alive and is somewhere out there, and one day she will come back into my arms.”
Talei’s grandmother, Arieta Ronaiqato, also shared that hope.
“She would have been a nine-year-old girl now. I miss her every day,” she said, wiping away tears.
“When I see other children, I say to myself, one day I will see my granddaughter again. She was my pet.”
Last month, Ms Ronaiqato visited the Criminal Investigations Department in Toorak, Suva seeking a missing persons update.
“They told me they were still investigating and would contact us if there was any progress made.”
For now, the family waits with undying patience — holding on to faith, love and the hope that one day Talei will find her way home.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said they would be providing an update today.
