"Hello," says Mrs. Blake.

"Mrs. Blake, I presume?" says Rebecca's dad. "William Arden. I don't think we've met."

"That's me," she agrees. "Ishtar Blake. I don't believe we have. Did you have questions for me?"

"You gave Rebecca a... job?"

"Well, of course. She knocked on my door saying she was pregnant and didn't know where to go to keep her baby safe. I have a lot of sympathy for that situation; wouldn't anyone? So I'll come up with household chores I can pay her for while she gets her feet under her, because I like to live in a world where people do that sort of thing, when someone in need of help turns up on their doorstep."

"She isn't unsafe at home."

"I've heard there are some questions about what exactly the Capris might want with her. I haven't spoken to them yet myself, but I admit it wouldn't surprise me very much to learn Rebecca was right to be concerned about them."

"They came over to discuss things with us, and -" There is a weird gap, which he doesn't seem to notice when he proceeds. "- the plan, which Rebecca agreed to, was that she'd go stay with them for a while."

Yeah, that's what she thought.

"If I'd been in a similar situation with my firstborn when I was halfway through college, I could easily imagine myself agreeing in the moment to whatever it seemed like the father's family wanted, if they were being aggressive about it, and only taking the time to think for myself after they'd gone home. If Rebecca doesn't feel safe with the Capris now, then my home is open to her now and for as long as she feels like she needs it. And we'll see what the Capris have to say when I go talk to them."

"Well. I'll have to let them know what the situation is, but of course I'm glad Rebecca's under a roof," he sighs.

"Of course."

"If she's forgotten anything in her - running away - then of course she can come back and get it, and she's always welcome to come see her brothers and sisters, have dinner with us. Presuming whatever job responsibilities you've cooked up for her permit."

"I appreciate your understanding. Of course the last thing I want to do is get between her and her family."

"And if things don't work out between you she has a bed here, independence or no independence."

"I'm glad to hear that. Hopefully between all of us we'll manage to give Rebecca and her child the support they need."

"Mm-hm. Can you put my daughter back on?"

"Of course."

She hands the phone back to Rebecca.

"Dad?"

"- no, they're - Dad she only has sisters -"

"- maybe not this week?"

"No of course not! I'm just really - queasy -"

"I know, I -"

"Yeah."

"Yeah I know."

"Can you put Lizzy on?"

"Okay, I - guess I'll see her at school -"

"Yeah."

"Dad, come on -"

"No, no way -"

"- yeah, I love you too."

(While this exchange has been going on, Mrs. Blake has gotten herself a glass of water, and one for Rebecca too if she'd like.)

She's going to be so well-hydrated. She hears that's important if you're pregnant. Maybe even if you're pregnant with an egg. She hangs up the phone and sips.

"I think that went reasonably well, what do you think?"

"I guess it'd be silly to expect them to be thrilled."

"Yes. Should I repeat everything he told me that seemed relevant for you to know?"

"Yes please?"

"He said you're not unsafe at home; he mentioned the Capris came over and then paused and then said the plan you agreed to was that you'll stay with them, in a way that strongly suggests his head was messed with so that he only remembered there was an explanation and not what it was or why he found it convincing. He says he'll tell the Capris you're here, and he's glad you're under a roof, and you can come back to get anything you forgot or visit your siblings for dinner as you like, if your job responsibilities permit; and he says you have a bed there if things don't work out for you here."