Page 32 of Cruel Daddy Dragon

“Look,” I say, “we don’t know what we are right now—and we don’thaveto know. We don’thaveto be anything if you don’t want to. But whatever we are, I willalwaysbe here to help you, okay? If you need me, I’ll be here.”

She’s quiet for a moment.

“Really?” she says after that second.

“Yes,” I reply firmly, “Because… I noticed, Sarah. I noticed how you were always the one rescuing everyone else, and no one was here to help you. So I promise you, right here, right now, that if you need help, I’ll be here. Even if we’re not… anything. Even if we’ve irritated the hell out of each other that day, you can count on me.”

Sarah pauses for a moment. Then, she starts sobbing again, her fists clenching into my skin. For a second, I worry about what I’ve said:did I just make it worse?

“Thank you!” she sobs, “You havenoidea how long I’ve wanted to hear someone say that!”

I keep rubbing her back soothingly until she quietens. Eventually, she sucks in a deep breath and wipes her eyes with her thumb and forefinger. She looks up at me with her puffy eyes.

“Thank you,” she says, calmer, “I’m sorry. I don’t deserve your help after this morning.”

“Forget about this morning—it’s done,” I reply, “You’re okay. That’s all that matters now.”

She starts shaking her head lightly, smiling softly.

“Why do you care so much?” she murmurs.

I catch my breath for a moment. The words come to my head:because I love you.

The words make it all the way to the tip of my tongue before my stomach turns, and I can’t say it. Instead, I say:

“I don’t know. Why do you care so much as a police officer?”

Sarah looks away. Then, she smiles gently and nods.

“Fair enough,” she replies.

After her non-answer, she leans her head onto me again.

“God, I’m so tired…” Sarah sighs.

“Try to stay awake,” I say, “You probably got hypothermia or at least came very close. We ought to get you somewhere warm.”

“Yes. Please,” she answers.

I start to shuffle around to pick her up, but then she pauses.

“Oh! Wait…”

“What?”

Sarah leans down and shuffles her hand through the snow at her feet.

“What are you looking for?” I ask.

“The ring…” She murmurs, “I found the ring I was looking for.”

I laugh lightly.

“Oh, so you found it after all?” I tease, “Well, that makes it almost worth freezing to death.”

“Shut up,” she replies, grinning, “I might as well havesomethingfor this horrible day.”

“Well, it’s good to see you’re more like yourself again,” I say.

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