Adding a name to an emergency contact list was not the same as transferring decision-making authority.

We made the distinction carefully, with the children’s safety and the actual agreements guiding each step.

On the way home, Mason asked why paperwork made adults so serious.

‘Because names on forms can change who gets called when something important happens,’ I told him.

‘Like when I hurt my ankle?’

‘Exactly.

I want the right people to know, and I want you to feel safe.’

He considered that.