88. Daddy

Avery, with a hint of reluctance, began to move Tanner's bedding from her room to the couch in Avla and Gideon's room. Tanner watched quietly as she also placed one of her own pillows on the couch but chose not to comment. Deep down, he knew Avery would likely end up with him on the couch every night, but it was important to him that she at least started the night in her own bed and made the effort to stay there.

Avery asked, "Who are the bad people trying to hurt us?" Tanner momentarily questioned his decision to share the reality of their situation with her, wondering if Meave might have been right in suggesting Avery was too young for such burdens. However, the question was already posed, and he felt compelled to answer.

"Do you remember your old dad? Before you came to live with us?" Tanner gently probed, treading carefully around the delicate subject.

Avery looked puzzled for a moment before asking, "You mean the dad that was Mom's dad too?"

"Yes, him... his name is Yorgan. Re