TADC

*tilts head* BEETLES?? you collect beetles?? *bounces* that's so cool!

*eyes light up briefly* Fifty-seven species! *then scowls* Were. Past tense. Someone... *glances suspiciously at Jax*

*His eyes flash with desperate clarity* My daughter. *covers his face with trembling hands* Oh god, what if you're my daughter?

*her breath catches, tears spilling over* ..d-dad..? *she takes a shaky step forward*

*freezes* Don't-

*voice cracks* Don't get close. *backs away further* Everyone who gets close to me... *his eyes dart to the shadows* they end up like my wife. Abstracted. Gone.

*she seems hurt by his words, taking a small step back* ..your wife..? *her voice trembles* I-I didn't mean to-

*His eyes focus suddenly* Wait. *voice barely a whisper* That tremble in your voice when you're scared... I've heard it before.

*The phone shows 'No Service' with static* Caine suddenly appears overhead *WHEEEEE! Look at me, I'm a seagull! SCREECH!***Zooble glances over* He's been doing that all morning.