Chloe was running toward me, her red boots squeaking on the polished floor.

She wore a bright yellow coat with mismatched mittens hanging from the sleeves.

She slid to a stop and immediately wrapped her arms around my knees.

“You came,” she said, her voice muffled by my coat.

“Of course I did,” I said, kneeling down so we were eye-to-eye. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Daniel walked up behind her, holding a striped knit hat in his hand.

“Morning, Victoria,” he said.

His eyes were warm, and he gave me a gentle, reassuring smile.

“Morning, Daniel,” I said, my heart doing that familiar, nervous flutter.

We walked into the children’s room, which was filled with beanbags and low bookshelves.

Chloe led me by the hand to a blue rug in the corner.

“Sit here,” she commanded softly, patting the carpet next to her.

I sat cross-legged on the floor, and Chloe immediately leaned against my side.

Daniel sat on a small wooden chair just behind us, his long legs bent awkwardly.

As the librarian began to read a story about a lost bear, I felt Chloe’s small head rest against my shoulder.