More and more, if she needed soothe, she had to switch off. Adult talk was more disturbing and rougher to ignore. Except lately she could feel pressed in silence as well.

Anty’s cool face was smug, her voice smooth. Her father’s sweaty one was reddening. There was that clip to his words. She tried to focus on her gamey thingy, but it no longer absorbed.

“You obviously don’t know anything about the importance of social adaptation.”

“Ya think I want her adapting? She’ll figure out people soon enough and know she never missed nuttin. She’s doing fine.”

“But she’s totally missing out in all sorts of ways. You have an obligation as a parent.”