“I’m not thrilled. And I totally reserve the right to angst over all this later. But honestly, Mom? Right now, I’m so happy to see you that I wouldn’t care if you’re secretly a ninja sent from the future to destroy kittens and rainbows.”

“I’m so happy to see you that I wouldn’t care if you’re secretly a ninja sent from the future to destroy kittens and rainbows.”

“God, baby, I can’t do this. I can’t pretend I’m not fucking thrilled you’re standing in my house right now.”

“I wish to God I had an answer for you right now. All I know is that…I’m not turning this car around. I’m going home with you…and we’ll see what happens from there.”

“I’m right here,” he said. “Dad’s right here. I’m going nowhere. Just gonna wait until you’re ready to come out into the world, and then your mom and I are going to take care of you. So you hang tight, weclear? Do your thing, and we’ll wait for however long it takes.”With his free hand, he took Layla’s palm, and put it over his own.“Your family is right here. Waiting for you…and we love you.”It was totally stupid to talk to what was, no doubt, nothing but a bundle of cells. But he couldn’t helpit. The words, the actions…they were at once totally his, and yet coming from a place that was foreign to him.Felt right, though.Felt…like what a father was supposed to do.”

“Right. That’s the end of the line for you tonight. You’re going home, I’m seeing you safe inside, and I’m going home to hide in a closet until this blows over. I suggest you do the same.”