The sudden motion couldn't help but get Alena flinching on their side of the door--or Eliana attempting to stifle a glance back, sensitive in the quiet way children are to sudden swings of moods in adults.

The questions felt bigger than her answers for a moment, Alena couldn't help feeling. It was almost a relief to see the other man suddenly at the door.

Except that looking toward the door meant catching sight of the little girl's eyes peeking nervously around at them. That meant there couldn't be all that much holding back.

"She'll-- be fine. This really can't wait."