“You don’t owe me anything,” I said with a small smile. “I’m just glad he’s okay.”
He gave me another smile of gratitude, then nodded and turned to leave, carrying Eli in his arms.
“Take care,” he said over his shoulder.
I was about to head in the opposite direction when I heard Eli again.
“Wait!”
I turned back just in time to see him squirming in his father’s arms.
“Eli, what are you—?” his father began, but Eli had already slid down and taken off running—right back to me.
He stood in front of me and waved his hands, motioning downward.
At first, I didn’t get it.
Then he did it again, clearly trying to tell me something.
“You want me to crouch down again?” I asked.
He nodded quickly.
Still confused, I crouched down in front of him.
Eli stepped closer. His eyes were wide and s
