After a long moment, she shook her head softly. "I thought you... were gone." She paused, whispering those last two words into his chest.
At that moment, beyond sympathy, a sudden jolt of profound joy filled Michael's chest. Yes, absolute joy! He meant that much to her; his presence held such incredible weight in her heart!
"Never," he promised, wrapping his arms even tighter around her slender frame. "I will never leave your side again." He was determined to give her total security so she would never have to endure this fear of loss ever again.
She snuggled deeper into his embrace, her voice muffled against his shirt. "I'm really not dreaming, right?"
In this moment, all her usual pride, and distance had completely melted away. She looked like a vulnerable, wounded little rabbit desperately seeking warmth and safety.
