Link and his son lay in the large bed together in Link and Zelda's room, both unable to get to sleep that night. Christopher had complained of a bad dream, and Link gladly welcomed the child into bed with him; he'd been quite lonely at night lately without Zelda in his arms.
"Daddy?" the child spoke softly.
"Yes, Christopher?"
"Do you ever get afraid?"
"Well sure. Everyone gets afraid sometimes." Link said, running his fingers though the boy's blond hair.
"Are you afraid about Mommy?" He asked.
Link stayed silent for a moment. Yes. He was. He was terrified. But he was unsure if he should say so to his small, impressionable child. There was probably no reason to worry about Zelda, she would be better in a couple weeks, but Link could keep the worry from his heart.
"Yes." Link answered honestly. "I am afraid. Sometimes I get afraid that she won't get better. I know she will, but sometimes our minds do funny things and make us think things that probably won't happen."
"I get afraid about that too." The boy said, tightening his hold on his father.
"If you're ever afraid, you can always tell me. I promise to try my hardest to make you feel better. And I'll protect you from anyone or anything that wants to hurt you. Okay?"
"Okay, Daddy. And if you're ever afraid you can tell me too. I love you."
Link's heart filled with love for the three-year-old and he couldn't help but smile.
"I love you too, buddy. Thank you." He said softly, holding his child near to him. They closed their eyes and fell asleep, comforted by each other's embrace.