Heather went inside to change the baby.

“Stay in the yard,” I said to Joshua and Iris.

Joshua ran. Iris chased him. When Iris caught Joshua, she waited for him to run again, then ran after.

They went to the back of the yard, out to the big field.

“Joshua! Iris! Stay in the yard!”

Joshua ran on. I watched.

Iris stood still. “Ma!” she called, slightly panicked, “Ma!”

 I went out to get them. Joshua decided that, seeing as I was following, it was fine to go further.

Iris stood by my side, terrified something might happen to Joshua.

“Go hold his hand,” I said.

She ran to him, took his hand firmly, and pulled him back to the yard.

She did not let go until they reached his mommy just as she came back out of the house.

Joshua enjoyed every minute of holding Iris’ hand.