Josie pressed her face against the car window and looked outside curiously. She shook her head. "I'm not scared."
Avery smiled. "Why aren't you scared?"
Josie said in her sweet, childish voice, "Because, if the kindergarten isn't good, I don't have to go. And I have Marshmallow with me. Anytime I want to go home, Marshmallow can tell the family, and they'll come pick me up." As she spoke, she waved her little fist and added, "Dad and Moin, Jaden, Arthur, Alaric, and Maria have all said they will protect me. So, I don't have to be afraid."
Avery smiled and patted her head. "Yes, I will protect you too." Then she paused slightly and added, "When you grow up and become strong, will you protect me too?"
"Protect you?" Josie's eyes immediately lit up, as if she had received a huge encouragement. She puffed out her chest, waved her small fists, and nodded vigorously. "Yes, I will grow up very quickly, become very strong, and then protect you and Maria."
