"Does anybody really know their father well?" he wondered. Fathers seemed to be a greater mystery than mothers.

And that was true, in many circumstances there were others who would protect a child, not just a parent. But would that stop a parent from worrying?

"I like your description of Castle Town." Even as an adult, he likes it. Games, sweets, and music, who could wish for more? Life has to be about celebration, at least periodically, or it is too grim.

"What happened to Castle Town?" he asks, quietly, curiously, and with empathy.