Oh, don't say that too loud or one of the lovely pthumerians might decide we all need to try on a new sexuality for a month. [ She throws back to him, her own sarcasm particularly heavy around the word lovely, but she's also making a point. Be careful what you say, you never know what's listening and taking notes.

But then the moment is gone. He brings up his daughter, her stomach twists and she wants to apologize but she keeps her mouth shut, and then he says it: her name. Everything about her expression turns soft and gentle and just a little reminiscent of that dark-haired little girl he met on a playground. ]

Surprise. [ She whispers, both hands held up, fingers splayed as if she's just done some grand party trick. ] Alessa Gillespie, all grown up. [ She reaches up to flick the ends of her roughly chopped bleached hair. ] The blonde make me look that different?