Eli woke up with a yawn, stretching in the still unfamiliar bed before rolling over and noticing the lights still on in the living room. He rolled out of the bed, touching his feet to the ground slowly, and scurried down the hall to see why his mama was still awake. "Mama?" His voice was a whisper.
They had been staying with Kristoff for a few days now, and Eli had to admit that he loved it. His room was bigger here, and the bed was really comfortable. And if Anna was at work, Kristoff was there to greet him with a hug. At night they ate dinner together at the table, something home cooked and delicious. It was much better than takeout every night.
Anna seemed happy. But nervous. And that worried Eli.
He heard their voices and wrapped his little fingers around the corner, listening patiently. He knew it was rude to interrupt adults, but he wanted to make sure his mama was okay.
"I just…" Anna's voice was shaky, and he watched Kristoff wrap his arms around her. "I'm so scared."
"Nothing's going to happen, Anna. I promise."
"How do you know? How can you be certain?"
Kristoff pushed her back slightly, tilting her head up with his fingers. "Because," he started, running a thumb over her lip. "You're an amazing mother. You're a hard worker. And you do everything you can to provide for Eli. There is no reason on earth that anyone could legally take him from you."
Anna nodded, lifting her hands to his cheeks.
"You're incredible, Anna."
She stood up on her tiptoes, pressing a warm kiss onto his lips.
"I love you."
Kristoff's hand spread across her lower back, bending her backwards slightly as he kissed her deeper. Anna's hands rose up to wrap around his neck, and Eli could see them both smiling whenever they came apart.
Eli covered his eyes, blushing and hiding his face, but he couldn't ignore the giggles that came from his mama and Kristoff and smiled under his hands.
"I love you, too."