Ouroboros Spine Choices

A little sob broke its way through Angel's walls. Another tear rolled down her cheek, and she buried her face quickly in Raindrop's chest. It was that past-tense, loved, that really got to her. Dad had loved them, but perhaps he didn't anymore. Angel Oak could only believe that he must be dead now, or otherwise permanently waylaid. But what else could have waylaid him for so long?

"I trust you," Angel agreed, glad that Rosa had landed on those words. "I trust you, mom, and I love you so much — I... I don't know, either. But you should be happy. We should all try to be happy."

She wiped at her face, trying to choke down another sob. Instead, she ended up holding out an arm to Ponderosa, trying to pull her sister into a three-way-hug.