Rose is usually a very animated baby, it is unsettling to see her so quiet and thoughtful. It is only the work of a few minutes to get her dried off and into a crocheted sea blue dress. "There little miss, you look lovely." I inform her as I put the matching booties on her feet. I get a small smile in return. "Ready to go see your fath--- to go downstairs?" She nods and I lift her up. Her arms encircle my neck as we descend the stairs, and I catch the end of the conversation; Wanda's voice light, yet strained.

"What are we to be thinking about?" I ask as we enter the kitchen. I expect Rose to reach for her mother, or her father since it has been some time since she's seen him... but she merely holds on to my shirt and looks at from him to me with a critical eye. "Rose, be polite and say hello to your guest."