You hadn’t hesitated when she had asked.

“Come with us,” Addison asked casually a few weeks earlier, “Henry’s been asking to go to the little carnival on the pier.” she murmured.

It wasn’t framed like a big deal.

But it felt like one.

Now you were there.

Walking beside her, the ocean stretching out endlessly to your left, the late afternoon sun casting everything in warm gold. The boards creaking softly under your feet, the distant music of the carnival getting louder the closer you walked.

Ahead of you, Henry.

HIs tiny legs moving fast a little unsteady but determined, darting forward like he had somewhere very important to be.

“Henry- slow down-” Addison called, her voice carrying just enough authority.

He didn’t.

Of course he didn’t.

You laughed quietly under your breath.

“He’s got a mission,” you murmured.

Addison glanced at you, amused despite herself, “He always does.” she muttered.

Henry got a little further ahead, weaving slightly between people, distracted by colors and sounds and just everything at once.

That’s when Addison’s tone shifted, still calm, but firmer now.

“Henry, come back here and hold my hand,” she yelled out.

He paused.

Turned.

Considered.

Then trotted back toward you both.

Addison slowed her pace slightly, extending her hand without even looking like it was routine, like she’d done this a thousand times.

Henry reached out, and wrapped one of his small hands around a few of your fingers instead.

You froze.

Actually froze.

Your brain took a second to catch up with what had just happened.

“oh..” you mumbled, glancing down at the tiny hand now wrapped around your fingers.

Henry didn’t question it.

Didn’t hesitate.

Just held on like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Addison noticed a second later.

Her hand was still half-extended when she glanced over, and then down.

There was a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

Then something softer.

Warmer.

“Okay..” she murmured quietly, lowering her hand instead of correcting him.

You glanced at her, unsure. “You want-” you started.

“It’s fine,” she replied gently, interrupting you.

Meanwhile, Henry swung your hand slightly as he walked, completely content, pointing ahead with his free hand.

“Lights!” he grinned excitedly.