It's a fear from spending so many years feeling lost and alone, not wanting to go back there. The assurance is enough to calm the fear a little, and he toddles on.

Yes. He protects me, takes care of me. He cares more than he likes to show.

There's a warm feeling, like a child about their parent. Mando wasn't the best dad in the universe. But Grogu doesn't really have anything to compare him to.

He finally stops about ten feet away, when he can finally spot the man. His ears perking as he tilts his head with a curious croon.