“Aaggh … urk …” was my swift rebuttal.
“Oh! Sorry.”
My feet hit the floor and air flooded back into my lungs.
“All a parent, any parent, can do is give it their best shot, right or wrong.” Aahz continued as if there had been no interruption. “The actual outcome rests on so many variables, no single person can assume responsibility, blame, or praise for whatever happens. That’s important for me to remember in my dealings with you . . . and for you to remember in your dealings with Markie. It’s not your fault!”
“It isn’t?”
“That’s right. We both have strong paternal streaks in us, though I don’t know where you got yours from, but all we can do is our best. We’ve got to remember not to try to shoulder the blame for what other people do .. like Tananda.”
That sobered me up again. “You know about that, huh?”
“Yeah. She told me to tell you goodbye if she didn’t see you, but I guess you already know.”
I simply nodded, unable to speak.
“I was already worried about how you were going to react to the problems with Markie, and when Tananda left I knew you were going to take it hard. I’ve been trying to find a way to show you that you aren’t alone. Right or wrong, what you’re feeling has been around for a long time.”
“Thanks, Aahz.”
“Has it helped at all?”
I thought for a moment. “A bit.”
My partner heaved another sigh.
“Well,” he said, “I tried. That what’s important…I think.”
“Cheerio, chaps. How’s every little thing?”
I glanced up to find Chumley striding toward us, beaming merrily. “Oh. Hi, Chumley.”
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