: Shadows in

e like a man approa

ed a soft gray, a child's drawings taped along

stick-figure woman with curly hair. A l

, a figure draw

ust the wo

throat closing. "He

ed her arms.

ly. "Why didn't you t

changed. Your email bounced back. And when I showed up

a hand through his hair.

eyes. "Exactly. Your precious image. Your d

ing to pro

to nobility. You left me pregnant, scared, with

use he could give her that didn

e said again. "Abo

n't want

le

, a smal

om

both

g his eyes. Hair sticking up. Dinosaur pajam

t?" he ask

, baby. You're supp

rd yel

t a little distance. His

d up at him. "

et. But I... I'm someon

om, frowning. "Mommy

ia pa

this is Ethan. He's

ell heavy b

Ethan, eyes narrow

t look li

haky laughter. "I probably

d cautiously. "Do y

Yeah. Yeah, I us

your f

cirap

mated. "Me too! They're fa

ed. "Just li

t was nothing. Just a momen

was eve

ched for

ked like he m