gently nuzzled his son's head, cradling him in his front paws. Another tear rolled down his face, splashing Simba's soft fur...

***

Simba felt something wet touch his cheek. Finally, he was able to open his eyes...

***

The first thing he saw was his father. He smiled but it was wiped off his face almost instantly when he looked at Mufasa properly.

He wasn't looking at Simba, his eyes were closed and, shocked, he saw that his Dad's face was stained was tears. Oh, no. Something terrible must have happened for his father to cry like that.

Concerned, Simba opened his mouth to speak.

***

Mufasa gulped. He'd have to face the Pride, sooner or later. He decided it would have to be sooner.

And then, something broke the awful stillness. It was feeble but it filled him with hope: "Dad?"

Mufasa gasped and looked down. Simba! Simba's eyes were open, he was looking at him worriedly. Oh, thank the Pridelands, he was alive!

Simba blinked. "Dad?" he asked, "What's wrong?"

Mufasa smiled and dried his eyes with one of his paws. "Nothing, son," he replied, voice choked. "Everything's alright now. Just do me one thing."

Simba looked puzzled. "What?"

He bent down to his son, pulled him close and whispered,"Promise to never scare me like that again."

The End.