What did you say? (1)

Shelby turned to look at Ingrid, who was following in her every footstep. It was a rather amusing scene, but she was not in the mood to laugh. She had been pacing and in deep thought for the past ten minutes since returning to her parlour, and little Ingrid was following her like a chick to a hen.

Ingrid bumped into her at the sudden halt. Shelby chuckled, while she wondered where she was even able to summon that ounce of humour from.

"What is it, Ingrid?" She asked as she went down on her knees in front of the little girl, her eyes softening as a tinge of worry also marred her features.

'Silly me…. why would I ask this?' Shelby chided herself and then, looking solemnly at Ingrid, changed her question,

"Ingrid, dear, you know that I love you, right?"

Ingrid nodded vigorously as her solemn face also broke into a wide smile.