Ocean's Breath Plateau all we are is dust in the wind

he let loose a sigh of relief; he would have sorely regretted missing the birth of dutch's children, and between running here and there on visiting calls, he'd admittedly lost track of time. his smile remained as his son went on, though faded and twisted into a worried frown at the news of minnow's situation.

i thought she had a man, aditya remarked. has he left her? believe me; i'll help in any way i can.

the thought of that poor young woman alone with her children. . . well, not so young, he supposed. but she'd had a hard life, losing both her parents and having her family scattered to the wind. she needed them now more than ever.

and speaking of odd family situations—

have. . .your friend's wives had their pups yet? he ventured gingerly, giving dutch a sidelong glance.