I looked at her skeptically. Me: Really? You’d sit on my lap and cling to me for dear life?
Her: Yes.
I grinned. Me: Promise?
Her (groaning): Yes, I promise.
I smiled and waded back to the rock and set her down. She skipped out of my arms, looking relieved. I sat down, my back to an overhanging tree. I pat my legs. Me: You promised.
She rolled her eyes. Her: Is this entirely necessary?
Me (grinning): I could take you out there again, if you’d like.
She shook her head. Her: You’ve broken your promise, so I can break one too.
I frowned. Me: What?
Her (softly): You promised you wouldn’t hurt me.
I looked up at her, shocked. Me: Are you really that afraid? Do you really think I would have dunked you?
She frowned, looking away. Her (whispering): I don’t know.
A wave of guilt washed over me. I stood up, pulling her close. Me: I’m sorry, I was only joking around. I didn’t mean to upset you.
She laid her head against my shoulder. After a moment, she lifted her head, her mouth brushing my ear. Her:Gotcha.