"I'm just about sure of it. And I don't-- want you to get the wrong idea about it." Alena almost manages a smile, tired but genuine, as she hands the papers over properly. The top sheet is simply a birth certificate for Eliana Lowell, father unknown. "It's just... I don't know how much-- longer I'll be able to take care of her."

Below the birth certificate, if he looks, are medical records--her own, indicating quite clearly a rather advanced state of metastasis. Below a few pages of that are release forms for a paternity test.

If he doesn't turn, she'll reach quickly to turn for him. "And they say it's-- easier when kids her age go to... family, rather than foster care."

It's just there isn't a lot of family. There also aren't a lot of dogs. That's what's got Eliana peeking down so dubiously at the (admittedly rather harmless looking fluffy) creature clearly scouting for crumbs and friendship. She looks up only long enough to reach with some hesitation for a cookie. "Thank you, sir."