"It does, and it's unfortunately messier as well." She allowed as her feet continued to tap against one another. Enduring hours of small talk while Ilona slept was miserable enough that she almost wished he request she leave just so it could end.
Zach's obvious adoration of their daughter always warmed her heart. In fact, it was the single most reason why she hadn't run from him again in the weeks and months following their reunion. She couldn't deprieve Ilona of such a warm and loving father, not when the alternative was a hole that would never quite be filled. Sure, Jo could remarry someone who would hopefully accept Ilona as his own, but at what cost? And how was she to ensure the acceptance would last a lifetime?
"It was quite like the gulls," she replied with a small smile of her own. "There were ducklings as well. If she were able to fully crawl she would have been chasing after them." Not that Jo would allow such a thing, of course. Mother ducks were notoriously protectice of their young, but the thought was endearing nevertheless.
She froze when he next spoke. We, he said. Like they were an unit — a family. Jo blinked twice in his direction, barely noticing or hearing as he corrected himself with a mention of the zoo. We, he said, like he thought of her being an active part of his future. Her throat went dry as if the single word sucked every drop of moisture from the room. Immediately, Jo knew no amount of clearing her throat would ease the thick lump forming.
She ought to add some lighthearted comment about Ilona loving the thunderbirds or some other random creature. Addressing the blunder would surely burst the bubble. However, no words formed. The only thing she could think to whisper was, "I need some air," before standing to rush outside the cottage.
Zach's obvious adoration of their daughter always warmed her heart. In fact, it was the single most reason why she hadn't run from him again in the weeks and months following their reunion. She couldn't deprieve Ilona of such a warm and loving father, not when the alternative was a hole that would never quite be filled. Sure, Jo could remarry someone who would hopefully accept Ilona as his own, but at what cost? And how was she to ensure the acceptance would last a lifetime?
"It was quite like the gulls," she replied with a small smile of her own. "There were ducklings as well. If she were able to fully crawl she would have been chasing after them." Not that Jo would allow such a thing, of course. Mother ducks were notoriously protectice of their young, but the thought was endearing nevertheless.
She froze when he next spoke. We, he said. Like they were an unit — a family. Jo blinked twice in his direction, barely noticing or hearing as he corrected himself with a mention of the zoo. We, he said, like he thought of her being an active part of his future. Her throat went dry as if the single word sucked every drop of moisture from the room. Immediately, Jo knew no amount of clearing her throat would ease the thick lump forming.
She ought to add some lighthearted comment about Ilona loving the thunderbirds or some other random creature. Addressing the blunder would surely burst the bubble. However, no words formed. The only thing she could think to whisper was, "I need some air," before standing to rush outside the cottage.
![[Image: V9Vf0R0.png]](https://i.imgur.com/V9Vf0R0.png)