One Year Later…

“No,” Robert said, his tone calm, but final. “Absolutely not. I won’t allow it!”

Tabitha laughed, short, sharp, and defiant. ”’Won’t allow’? Daddy, really.” She smiled.

“No. Forget it.” He started to grin, despite himself. “Your ‘daddy’s little girl’ routine is not going to work.”

Her smile dropped, her face deadly serious. “Doesn’t matter. I’m going.”

His grin vanished as quickly as hers, anger creasing his face. “I’m not saying it again. I emphatically forbid it. It’s too dangerous. You have no idea what could happen.”

“Forbid it?” she asked, incredulous. “You forbid it? This is not your decision! I am not 12 years old anymore!”

“No, you’re not!” Robert yelled. “So stop acting like a child who can’t have her way!” He slammed his fist on the counter, then took a deep breath. “I just got you back a year ago, and now you’re going to leave again? What if…”

“I’m sorry. I made my decision. I’m going to talk to the Menders of Ouroboros. I’m going back in time to fix our family.”