"No, no!" Galen waved his tiny hands, reluctant. He had rarely visited Margaret's house. While his memories were vague, he knew it was far away, requiring hours of sleep to reach. Furthermore, he found it boring, and Margaret wasn't adept at entertaining children. Consequently, Galen felt uneasy around her. Children's intuition is sharp; closeness is difficult without genuine affection.

Since Galen was unwilling, Alexander didn't want to force him. Besides, he knew the visit would delay his plans, as Margaret lived far away.

"Then..."

"I'll stay here and look after Grandpa Dom!" Galen jumped from the chair, declaring confidently.

Alexander chuckled. "Are you sure?"

"Yes! Mommy says I'll grow up to be someone capable, like you, Daddy!" Galen cocked his head, recalling his mother's words.

Alexander was surprised by his son's growth and articulate expression. Only recently, Galen had uttered only a few incoherent words; now he spoke fluently. Alexander couldn't help feeling he'd missed much of his son's development.

"Well, your mommy's right!" Alexander chuckled, bending to lift his son. He pressed his face against Galen's cheeks. "You're my mini-me, aren't you?"

"Go do your things, Daddy!" Galen held his father's face. "I can take care of Grandpa Dom and Uncle Austin!"

Alexander felt a surge of sentiment as he gazed into his son's clear, unwavering eyes. He was proud, yet he missed his wife.

'I wonder how Lily is doing now.'

He put Galen down, kissing his cheek. "Daddy promises to bring Mommy back. Our family, everyone, will be safe and sound, okay?" The promise was for both Galen and himself.

"Daddy is the best!" Galen stood on tiptoe, kissing Alexander's cheek.

Galen's gesture warmed Alexander; he smiled, patting Galen's head. "You're the best, too!"

Turning to leave, he bumped into Austin, who was surprised to see him with his jacket. "You're going out?"

"Yes," Alexander nodded. "I'm leaving this place in your hands for now." He was placing his faith in Austin.

Austin was taken aback. "But won't you spread the disease if you leave now?"

Alexander said thoughtfully, "I don't think so. I've been here for several days; I would have been infected long ago if the disease spread easily. Besides, Galen is fine. Since we're still unsure how the pathogens or symbiotes work, I shouldn't just stay here and do nothing."