growing fondness
Over the next few days, Robert couldn’t help but grow fond of the children. The little boy, about three, always had a toy truck in his hand.
The girl, just two, reminded him of his younger sister when she was that age. They’d wave at him and shout, “Hi, Mr. Robert!” whenever they saw him.
The children’s innocent affection started melting his initial cautiousness, pulling him closer to them.