She looked so young and beautiful, my heart hurt. I tossed the deodorant aside and took her in my arms. “Are you scared?” “Yes.” She smiled nervously, her brown eyes shining with excitement. “But I have you, right?” “You have me. I’ll never leave your side.” “Then I’m okay.” I kissed her forehead and held her close for a moment, willing myself to be braver than I felt.
