"But it seems that he has great affection for Rosé, and even if he decides not to remain in this house, I am positive he will include her in his life."

"My dear, I am not at all interested in what Kent wants, but rather what Rose does," I say, smiling.

Kent comes down. He is all nervous conversation, but my silent daughter is far more animated and interesting to me. She looks at him, and at me.

"It's strange, isn't it, Rose," I say conversationally, "to see us both in the same body. You were very clever, keeping this body," I say, nodding at Kent, "from fading back into dream. But I can take such things on and off as costumes," and as I do I stretch and shrink and change into the pale-faced, wicked-smiled girl Wanda has known intimately. Rose laughs at the transformation, and reaches for me. I take her into my arms.

"Look at you," I coo, "you've grown so much. Your daddy is very proud of you. I don't mean him," I say, glancing at Kent, and I kiss the top of her head and smile.