And then it got scary and he watched them melt away until all those things got nasty, the way they had with his last Daddy.

That had hurt so much. Not being a good enough boy . . . he couldn't face rejection again. And he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to trust another Daddy not to turn into a monster.

"No, birdie. I just want you. Not a Daddy. Just you. Forever and ever and be so good fwens. Kay?"

"You don't feel that way when you're better." It was said so low that he almost didn't catch it, but the nice lady had returned with their food,...