Distantly, in a small chasm buried far beneath her anger and hurt, Melody knew Ben would return. If not for her sake, then for their daughter's. His employment was unsteady, Aldous' campaign soon ending - Ben had nowhere else he was morally obligated to be. He had no other priorities to place above them for the moment.

A crown of purple asters rested upon the toddlers head as she explored the numerous petals of a chrysanthemum when Melody first heard Ben's approach. Nora noticed only seconds later, her eyes lighting brighter than any star at the sight of her father. Melody knew then that asking him to go, to give her space to process and bury any feelings she had, would be the cruel thing to do. Even if the sight of him now made her feel uncomfortable in the single space that was meant to be safe.

She wanted to scowl, to demand answers or shout, or to offer him anything other than the tight lipped smile she gave. Nora, who loved her father more than any other person and who Melody had sworn to do right by, was awake and already squirming to get down and rush over to him. Melody could hardly spark a fight when those perfect little ears were listening. Instead, all she could do was say, "good morning, did you have a nice walk?"

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