The guests and their children set off to find their houses. Without specific directions, they would likely have to search the entire Warren Isle village.
After walking for a while, Naomi Kenway felt a bit tired. She bent down to pick Ian up, but to her surprise, Ian refused.
"No! I don't want you to!"
"Why?" Naomi Kenway's throat was a little dry, and she swallowed instinctively.
Ian's cheeks were flushed red. Naomi Kenway noticed he was panting, and her heart ached for him in an instant.
"Aren't you tired, Ian?"
Ian shook his head and said firmly, "But Mommy is tired too. I don't want Mommy to carry me. I'm a little grown-up now. I can walk by myself!"
Naomi Kenway paused, hesitant. In the moment she was thinking, Ian had already run off with his little backpack, putting some distance between them.
"Ian!"
Ian looked back. "Mommy, look! I'm... not tired at all!" He patted his small chest to guarantee it, panting slightly.
Naomi Kenway chuckled, her heart melting completely.
