Her father in the parlor, Cash's father in his office — Cash did not see a particular difference between the two. He shrugged. Ford was determined to think that he didn't have a choice, or that this was the only right one, while he maintained that Cash had. A line of worry appeared between Cash's eyebrows as he considered: this would probably continue to impact their friendship, forever.

He exhaled. "You're going to be alright," Cash said, trying for something that was not argumentative.