Dragoncrest Cliffs The heart is something you can't control.

While his children were small, they were locked in to the whims of their parents - or in this case singular parent; but as they aged they'd discover autonomy the way Reyes had. Rosalyn was right - it all depended on their own choices. Reyes gave a slow nod as he took in this advice.

I want to be there for them whenever they need me. Like you've been for me. It was a compliment, sort of. Reyes knew he was a bit of a wayward soul; he came and went from this place as if he didn't care at all, when the opposite was true.

He cared too much. I know I haven't always been the best son. The most available, or open. It's... hard, for me. Why admit this now? It felt like an excuse made too late, an apology hidden in the undertow. I sometimes wonder if Towhee is right to keep them away. Maybe I'll... infect them or something. Screw them up.

Reyes huffs and shakes the fur along his shoulders as if that would ease the tension built up there, given the chick-flick moment that had just transpired, and coughed an awkward laugh. Fuck, mum. Are kids supposed to make you question everything?