“Hey hon. I’m going to take Lucy and Hattie to the park for a while. Want to join us?

“Oh. I- I’m not feeling great, John.”

“Maybe you just need some fresh air?”

“No. I think I’d better just stay home.”

“Maybe you’re… you know… pregnant?”

“Don’t get your hopes up, John. It’s just a migraine.”

“Oh. Well, can I get you anything while we’re out?”

“No, it’s fine. But do me a favour and stay out til dark, OK? I need peace and quiet for as long as possible.”

“Sure, hon. Rest up and we’ll come back around 7.”

“OK. There’s leftovers in the fridge for dinner.”

“I could get pizza-”

“Just eat what’s in the fridge, John. We’re not made of money.”

“No problem, hon. Of course.”

“Has Lucy done her homework?”

“I think so. If she hasn’t, I’ll help her when we get back. Feel better, babe.”

“Thanks, John.”

[five minutes later]

“Komei? I’ve just bought us two whole hours. Come straight over.”

That evening, Lucy was hunting for bugs in the garden when the gorgeous stray Hatbox strolled by.

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Lucy went immediately to her.

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Hatbox immediately piled on the charm in the hopes of a treat, or better yet, adoption.

Lucy: Ooooh, it’s my birthday in a couple days and I want you as my present! Can you come back-

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Hatbox: Come back? Look at me, wasted away to practically nothing! Banished and exiled and practically starving!

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L: OK, wait here and I’ll ask my dad. I love you already!

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H: :3

Lucy: Dad, why did mom go upstairs without saying goodnight?

John: Don’t worry about it, cupcake. You did a good job tonight, speaking up for yourself. Mom just wants you to have the best future you can. Sometimes we have to stop being silly for a while, and get things done.

L: But not right now, right?

J: Absolutely not right now. Right now is for giving my best little pudding pop a big squeeze!

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