First Priority

(Anna) Oliver tugged at my shirt to get my attention and my heart wrecked with remorse and guilt from his words as I stared at him with gloomy eyes. Bending down, I extended my hand and slowly rubbed Oliver's neck. “I am sorry, Oliver. I truly am. Next time if I ever lose control, you should stay away from me. Promise, you will do as I have said.” He slowly nodded at me with teary eyes and I extended my pinky finger towards him. “Make a pinky promise that you will do as I have asked.” He brought forward his own pinky finger and tangled it with mine, he pleaded with sadness swirling in his eyes that looked exactly like mine. “I promise, Anna. But please don't leave us.” Slowly I embraced Oliver, letting my warmth soothe him. He was so sharp and observant that, at times, I forgot he was just a kid. And today I had hurt him, something I never wanted to do. So I told him in a trembling voice, my body was still recovering from the traumatic experience I had. “Oliver, my life is complicated