From now on, I would be the parent he needed—too late, I know, but better late than never. And this time, I’d bring him up properly. As I walked, I glanced down—and there he was, the little boy, walking by my side. He was struggling to keep up, so I slowed down. I reached out and held his hand. It’s okay, I whispered. Everything’s okay now. I’m here. You’re safe, I promise.
