Fighting back monsters

They stayed like that for a long moment before Celena pulled back. "Now I should show Mommy," she said decisively. "She's sad."

Blake smiled at his daughter's perceptiveness. "Yes, she is. Sad that she missed so much of you growing up."

"It's okay," Celena said with the simple acceptance of childhood. "You're here now."

Blake followed her back downstairs to where Rose waited with Nana. Reggie had disappeared, presumably to check security before the patrol passed through.

"Mommy's turn," Celena announced, taking Rose's hand. "I have drawings of you too."

As Rose allowed herself to be led upstairs, Nana gestured for Blake to join her in the kitchen. Her expression had grown more serious, the brief respite of family reunion giving way to the gravity of their situation.

"She's remarkable," Blake said as they entered the kitchen. "So advanced for her age."