You’re keeping track of all of the things I’ve done today, but friendships don’t require tallys, honey. They’re not a tit-for-tat type of thing.”

“I’m scared I’ll be a burden and you and the others won’t want me around anymore. I just met you all, but my life would be so sad without you guys in it,” she admitted.

I admired her bravery to express such a vulnerability to me. “Oh, that’s a big burden for a Little girl,” I said, “and it’s one you don’t need to carry. We love you, Little one. We’ve invited you into our lives to stay....

You’re keeping track of all of the things I’ve done today, but friendships don’t require tallys, honey. They’re not a tit-for-tat type of thing.”

“I’m scared I’ll be a burden and you and the others won’t want me around anymore. I just met you all, but my life would be so sad without you guys in it,” she admitted.

I admired her bravery to express such a vulnerability to me. “Oh, that’s a big burden for a Little girl,” I said, “and it’s one you don’t need to carry. We love you, Little one. We’ve invited you into our lives to stay. You could never be a burden to us.”

Her body relaxed the tiniest bit in my arms and I felt triumphant. I didn’t doubt this was something we would need to talk about often, and perhaps seek counseling for, but I was happy she trusted my words for a moment, even if it might be fleeting.

“I enjoy taking care of Littles. It doesn’t matter if theyre mine or not. Being a Daddy is in my DNA. Let me take care of you until you’re feeling better, please? When you are well, I’ll take you back to the shelter or wherever you want to go. No strings attached,” I said, even though the thought of letting her go back to the shelter made me queasy.