Hannah furrowed her brows, a layer of dew forming in her eyes until they resembled clear pools. She looked pitiful as she argued, "My foot really does hurt. Whether you believe me or not, I can't walk."
She clung to the man with a playful stubbornness, hands wound tightly around his waist. She refused to let go, and her tears fell onto his chest.
Arnold simply let her act up in his arms, not stopping her when she wiped her tears on his shirt. Only after she was done venting, crying herself out, did he bend down to lift her from the bench. "Just this once."
Breaking into a teary smile, she nestled herself into his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Yes, just this once," she agreed softly.
Of course it was just this once now, but there could be many more in the future.
Only when she got in the car did Hannah realize the backseat was piled high with folders. Fortunately, the car was spacious and didn't feel crowded.