JULIA

I wasn't lying to my Master when I said I was too tired to go out, but the main reason I stayed was to speak to Shasta and Lucia. I didn't want to see a rift form between us. I cared too much for both of them. Maybe Master's parents too, if they wanted to talk, though they were taking it better than I had any right to hope.

Master left and I started with his parents, going to their room and sitting down on their bed, hoping they might wish to say something. I rubbed my stomach, subtly reminding them their grandson was in there, playing the grandson...