The room was dim, lit only by the warm glow of the dragon-shaped lamp beside the bed. A white comforter covered both Kate and Oliver as they lay together, wrapped in each other's arms. Kate gently ran her fingers through his hair, slow and rhythmic, feeling his small body gradually start to relax. Her heart was still beating a little fast, like it hadn't quite shaken off the fear from earlier.

"Can you promise me something, sweetheart?" she whispered.

Oliver lifted his head and looked at her, those big eyes still shiny from the tears he'd shed that day.

"What?"

"That you won't ever run off again. Not from school. Not from anywhere. You scared me so much, Oli... way too much."

The little boy bit his lip and looked down.

"I'm sorry, Mommy…"

Kate gently took his chin and tilted his face back up.

"I'm not mad. I just need you to promise me you'll never do that again."

He nodded and hugged her tighter.

"I promise."

Kate smiled at his words and kissed his cheek.

"That