Tears and Promises

After the car stopped, Valerie unbuckled her seat belt and leaned over to hug Barnaby. She rubbed her face and sniffed.

Barnaby laughed and said, "You've got your snot on my body."

Valerie hugged Barnaby more tightly and said with a choked voice, "Thank you, Mrs. Winslow."

Barnaby said, "I will always be with you. Don't worry."

Valerie said, "I know."

*****

When they got home, Rowan had already ta