Upstairs from us, a young single mother lives in a one-bedroom apartment with her three-year-old son. She's been dating a bit recently.

Well, ok, she's been dating a lot. (And yes, I know, I'm turning into the nosy neighbor. Can't help it, even I notice some things...)

Today, while we were going into the apartment after running some errands, we saw one of the lady's dates walking down the stairs, the boy behind him. I've seen this fellow a few times recently - maybe they're getting serious...

"Erik!" says the little boy. He's going down the stairs one at a time. "I can come with you?"

"Yeah, you're coming with me," Erik says. He nods at us and waits at the bottom of the steps for the little boy.

"You won't leave me?"

"No, I won't leave you."

"I'm coming, right? You won't leave me behind?"

"I'm waiting right here for you."

"Good." The little boy reaches up and takes Erik's hand. "Ever'body always leaves me."

"Well, I'm not."