Me:  ”You won’t get lost sweetie.  Your teachers will look after you, and they’ll be all organised.  You’ll be holding hands with one of your friends and you’ll all be together.”

She looks at me, doubt in her eyes, her small hand squeezing my finger.

Me:  ”M it will be a lovely day.  And you’ll see Santa, and help get a Christmas Tree, and play and have your lovely dinner.  It’s going to be so much fun.  And Mummy wouldn’t let you go if she didn’t think it was safe.”

I kneel beside her and she wraps her arms around my neck as I hold her close and rest my lips on the top of her head.  Then she pulls back a little and stares deep into my eyes.  I return her stare and nod sagely.  In my head my expression is wise and firm and sure.

Me:  ”I promise. ”

She nods, smiles and wanders over to the door to tug her Minnie Mouse Wellies on over her jeans, tights and double socked feet.

And now I’m thinking, ‘please let her be ok, please let her be ok.’

Sometimes I hate those two little words, ‘I promise’.