[ he starts to think on her reaction, a trace of worry running through his mind at that moment — until she asks that question.

he stops what he's doing, blankly holding the tarp. thinking, processing, closing his eyes and swallowing hard.

it hurts, but he smiles no less. it's small and sorrowful, but warm in its own, strange little way as well. ]

Yonah. She's 12 now.

[ his hands begin to move again. ]

I've been taking care of her since she was a baby...but we haven't spoken in a long time. I think she'd like you.

[ a beat. ]

Your family...I'd like to know what they're like, if that's alright with you.