#bergen_county

She looks more sad than angry as she says it

More steps in the dark forest. "I won't apologize. I can't. For wanting to protect you. Make sure you have the protection you need. When you step out into the world."

"Dad. You and mom alredy DId that. It's called raising me. You taught me to fight, to know what i would need to know. You prepared me. Don't you see? "

"I do. Do -you- see the job is never done? As a parent?"

She bites her lip "I think... there's a itme when you have to let me do the work and just watch dad. Just watch and trust. Or what you mean to be protection becomes a snare. "

Frank nods.

A sigh "We'll work on it"

He nods again. "I am willing."

"I do appreciate it," A thought "How are you and mom doing? I think.. I think she went to bat for me and I worry you didn't like that"

"We are well."

"Good. I know better than to pry TOO deep"

A soft grunt.

"But... " Miming a tone "You understand why as a daughter sometimes I MUST Pry and express concern?"

"No." Equitably.

A huff ("Double standard")

Eyebrow. (Do I pry about you and.... yours?)