Page 305 of Let Me In

And then, softly—

“Safety.”

The word sinks into me like a stone into water.

“You broke a safety rule, little one.”

I close my eyes, breath catching.

But he’s not angry. Not scolding.

Just… steady.

“You don’t run into the night. Not without shoes. Not without me.”

A little sob slips free. I try to swallow it. Try to bury it.

His hand presses gently to my back.

“But I know why you did.”

I shake my head. I don’t want him to say it. Don’t want to hear what it cost.

But he does.

And his voice is everything.

“I know it was love that made you run.”

Another tear slides down my cheek.

“And it’s love that brings you back.”

I lose it—not in panic, not in guilt, but in quiet, unshakable release. My body folds forward, trembling with sobs that are soft but real, too full to hold in any longer. It’s not hysteria. It’s not fear. It’s everything I’ve held back breaking loose in the safety of his presence. A surrender without shame, a fall that feels like being caught.

And Cal moves instantly.

Lifts me like I weigh nothing.

Wraps both arms around me and pulls me into his lap, upright, close. His chest is warm and solid, rising with each deep breath until I’m breathing with him. I bury my face in the curve of his neck, trying to disappear into him.

But he doesn’t let me.

He strokes my hair, cups the back of my head.

His other hand comes up to my cheek, thumb brushing away every tear.

“You don’t have to hide, baby,” he murmurs.

I try to shake my head, but I can’t. I don’t even know what I’m trying to say.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

He hushes me. Rocks me gently.

“You did good,” he murmurs. “You took it all for me, brave girl."

He kisses the side of my head.

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