Years later, when you read this, you won't remember what you tell me every time I drop you home, but I will.

"Take care of yourself."

Never "take care", but "take care of yourself."

And I can't begin to tell you how I feel when you say those four words. And more importantly, how that one word at the end of the sentence makes all the difference.

"Take care" is informal, it's meh. It's you-couldn't-give-a-shit.
But "take care of yourself", is meaningful, it's heartfelt, it's so warm and genuine.

And I'm not sure how you picked up on these nuances of language when you're six years old, but I'm so glad you did.

Because the world needs more people like you Mimi. It needs more loving, caring, genuine. The world needs more empathy. It needs more hugs than handshakes. More kisses than curses.

You know I miss you to bits when you're not around. But you saying "take care of yourself" makes me feel you're taking care of me.

When really, it should be the other way around.
Ah well.

I ain't complaining.

-Baba