Alright, baby girl. You remember what we talked about?

kisses her forehead I'm gonna be gone a week. Seven days. That's the same amount of time it takes for your sunflowers to sprout.

leaning against the frame, arms crossed I told you, I'm not a babysitter.

ignoring him, speaking to his daughter —Uncle Jason's gonna watch cartoons with you, and he already bought your favorite snacks. Right?

Maybe I ate them already.

beaming There she is! Did you get taller in the car ride over?

holds out his arms Come on, bug. Let your dad breathe. He's got a long drive ahead.

Okay. Okay. sets her down gently Now listen—

Here we go.

—I packed her bag. Purple one. It's got five pairs of socks even though she only needs three, because she loses them. Her favorite spoon is in the side pocket. Don't let her brush her teeth without the strawberry toothpaste, the mint makes her cry. She has a nightmare? Warm milk, two minutes in the microwave, not three, and sing the badger song—

softly Roy.

stops, swallows ...I wrote it down. It's in the bag.

Be good for your uncles, okay? I'll call you every night. I promise.