Summary: One last loose end to tie.


5 Years Later…

 

“How ya feeling?”

 

“Gonna be honest, not too good..”

 

“Any idea on why they wanted to meet now?” 

 

“Nope, been radio silence since they last called. What about you? Nerves getting to ya?” 

 

Lucy was currently in the bathroom, gently applying a bit of extra makeup for tonight. Nothing too extravagant, just a little bit of extra lip gloss and a bit more on her eyes. She gave a ‘hmmph’ as she finished her lips.

 

“Eh. A little bit but at the same time who cares right?” She had moved onto her hair, combing the silver locks. “We’ve gone this long without ever talking with them. So if this goes south we just go back to doing that.” She made a very good point, one I couldn’t argue with.

 

A few days ago we had gotten a call out of the blue. From my parents… Apparently they’re in town and want to meet for dinner. I was under the impression that I was actually done with them after college. Hell, during college I only got 1 call a year on Christmas to check up on me.

 

I know the ptero was hiding how nervous she really was. She wouldn’t be going through the extra effort to spoof herself up if she wasn’t. But she was handling it fine. Meeting the parents for the first time is nerve wracking, and the shoes finally on the other foot. 

 

“You know you don’t have to try so hard. Relax, you get any more gussied up and I won’t be able to focus on dinner.”

 

“Oh shut up dweeb.” She could act tough all she wanted but I saw that smile! “First impressions are important! Besides- oof!” She was suddenly, rudely interrupted as a persistent hand jerked her dress. “Not now sweetheart mommies busy. Anon can you get her?”

 

I swooped in for the rescue, snagging the bundle of energy before she could give another tug. Said bundle fussed for only a second before giggling as I held her airborne. 

 

“Come on sweet tooth. Mommy's getting ready.” The tiny ptero squealed out a laugh as I swooped her through the air, tiny wings splaying out to catch the wind. “Big day today! You get to meet your grandparents! Won’t that be fun?” 

 

“Grandpa?” She babbled out, eyes focusing on me for only a second before sweeping towards her mother again. 

 

Amber had finally begun to speak, though only in short choppy exclamations in the middle of unintelligible bumbles. It was only a few weeks ago she called me daddy, something I’ll never let Lucy live down. Suck it she said daddy first! Yet despite that the infant was clearly a mommy’s girl. A song from her was all it took when Amber was throwing a fit to calm her down.

 

“No, not grandpa. You get to meet new grandparents today.”

 

“Grandpa!” She squealed with more confidence this time.

 

“Nope. Grandpa Rip promised to visit tomorrow. Tonight we’re going to meet Papaw and Nana.” She bobbed her head yes, though if she actually understood was up to debate. “Me and momma are going to need you on your best behavior Sweet Tooth can you do that?” She gave me the biggest grin she could muster.

 

“No!” Bless her little empty head… 

 

“That’s right! You're going to throw the world's biggest hissy fit and give daddy an excuse to leave early aren't you!” She shook her head yes as I set her down in the living room. Her legs wobbled until she fell on her butt with a grunt. Not to be perturbed, the tubby ptero huffed and hunched before slowly standing on shaky feet. She tottled forward just far enough to fall onto her stuffed pirate-princess doll.

 

The doll was a baby shower gift from Samantha. One that had left the already overly emotional Lucy in tears. A little worn and lumpy, the gift had been a constant companion at Amber’s side. Through every spit-up and dirty diaper.. We've had to make a few emergency pit stops to grandma's house to have her sew him back up to silence the screaming child after she was a little too rough with it. 

 

Lesson apparently not learned though as Amber instantly stuck an arm in her mouth and started chewing on it. Gently I pulled it from her lips, tiny arms reaching after it as she made an exaggerated distress sound. I curbed the insured tantrum by dancing pirate-princess in the air, just out of reach but enough to hold her attention.

 

I think she’s going to start teething soon, and judging by the horror stories of Naser I was terrified. But with Samantha’s help we were already ‘Nibbles’ proofed. Reinforced all the furniture legs and all cables high and out of grabby hand reach! 

 

Suddenly I seemed to lose the little wonder’s attention. Her eyes flicked over my shoulder and lips pulled back into a wider smile. 

 

“Mommy!” It was official, I had become invisible. With mommy in the room Amber was on the move, pausing briefly to grab my pants to balance herself.

 

“Hey sweetheart. Are you being good for daddy?” 

 

“She’s always an angel, regardless of how she’s acting.” Lucy had already lifted said angel into her arms.

 

“Well how do I look?” I took extra time to examine her, exaggerating a long ‘hmmmm’. 

 

“Well with your eyes of course!” 

 

“Anon I swear if you start this tonight…” I put my hands up in defeat.

 

“Alright, alright..” She had a simple, not too flashy, black dress. Her makeup a tad darker than the norm to match it better. “You look fantastic! I’m going to be busy all night keeping all your love-struck stalkers at bay.” 

 

“It’s not too much? I don’t want to come off as trying too hard, you know?” 

 

“You look ready for church. Can’t get much more modest than that right?” She scoffed at me before giving Amber the attention that she would die without. Cooing as she rubbed her snoot into the squealing bundle's cheek.

 

Watching them both I realized how lucky I was… I had tried to move forward in life. These days I’m not even sure if it really happened or if it was a dream… I finally felt like I was doing right by them, that I was finally able to give them what they deserved. I had finally gotten out of this ‘I wasn’t enough’ funk I’ve been in for years now. Here’s hoping tonight doesn’t change that..

 

“Got everything we need?” I think I did. Let’s see… chair? Check. Snacks? Check. Blanket? Check. PP? I tossed the doll in the air and caught it again. Check.

 

“Ya I think we’re about ready.” Lucy slipped her phone out, Amber perched on her hip. 

 

“Well we’re about out of time, so might as well stop putting it off..” She resettled Amber and started towards the door. “Grab my purse would you?” I snatched it off the small counter top and followed after them.

 

“Got it!” I followed as they went out the front door into the hallway. Our apartment was a bit small, big enough for Amber as she was at least. But we were saving money for an actual house soon enough, maybe 6 months from now? Ripley had said their neighborhood had a house opening soon and he was willing to go halves on it with us as long as I paid him back. I think he just wants more excuses to see Amber..

 

Following the women down to the parking garage, I let Lucy work on getting miss fussy pants into her car seat in the back of the Nas-Car. Yup the Nas-Car. A wedding gift from Naser after he finally compromised with Naomi on keeping her new van. It had been a bit spruced up, Naser wasn't about to give it to us in such disrepair. The seats in the back replaced and the hole in the windshield fixed. But it was still the Nas-Car, and the memories it held made it priceless. 

 

With precious cargo strapped down in the back, doll in hand to keep her attention, I cranked the Nas-Car and we were rolling towards the restaurant. I knew where it was, never stopped and ate there though. It used to be out of our price range so it never came up as an option. But my parents assured us that they would be paying for it. That's a good sign right? 

 

Lucy was rechecking her makeup in the flip down mirror, using a claw to precisely remove any non existent blemish. 

 

“You look fine, relax.”

 

“Watch the road, not me.” She flippantly ignored me and continued to fret in the mirror.

 

I know she’s worried.. My parents we’re always an awkward topic. I think she felt obligated to try and fix my parental issues since I helped hers a long time ago. But my parents' sparse nature didn’t throw her a bone. I tried to think of a single time they even talked over the phone. Maybe once during Christmas? Didn't really matter anymore I guess.

 

We made it without a second to spare, the time bomb in the back voicing her frustration at being locked down to the world. A few murmurs and smooches from momma defused it though. I silently waited for the two to be ready as I scoped out the place. 

 

An Italian restaurant that I didn’t dare try to pronounce in fear of butchering it. I hoped they had pizza. That was the only Italian I ever craved. Don’t get me wrong pasta is great and all, but pizza is just pizza. You literally can’t have a bad pizza! 

 

I was jostled as Lucy hip checked me.

 

“Staring isn’t going to make it go away.” I quickly tried to take the holder just to receive a second hip check. “Nice try mister! Here.” She tossed the bag of baby essentials to me which I caught with a grunt. “I’m not letting go until she gets too heavy for me. Then I’ll let you carry her places.”

 

The inside was as lavish as the exterior. Definitely more high brow than any establishment we’ve eaten in before. I scanned around searching for my parents but couldn't seem to spot them. So I approached the dino at the front, a raptor of some sort.

 

“Yes sir, how many?”

 

“Actually were looking for someone-“ 

 

“Two humans?”

 

“Yes.” The waitress motioned for us to follow her. A winding trail took us out a side door onto a patio.

 

Then I saw them. Sitting at one of the outside tables. Bald head shining, they hadn’t noticed us yet. Father’s features were a little more sunk in, mothers hair a little more gray. They looked… older than the last time I saw them.

 

My father stood when he saw us. His eyes flicked briefly to Lucy in surprise. Did he know she was a dinosaur? If not this has gotten a little more awkward…

 

Whatever inner turmoil he had was apparently stowed for later as he stuck his hand out towards her.

 

“John. John Mous.” The ptero took the initiative, stretching out to shake his hand. 

 

“Lucy Aaron.” She shifted, bringing the carrier around. “And this, is Amber..” 

 

“Oh.. she’s beautiful isn’t she dear?” My mother had stood as well, leaning over to get a better look at the child. “Jane Mous by the way.”

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Amber wasn’t too sure what to make of the two strangers, the usually rambunctious toddler quietly contemplating. Her eyes flicked between me and the strange creatures, gears turning in her head.

 

We sat down at the little patio, giving a quick drink order to the waitress. Soda for me, sweet tea for Lucy, and water for Amber. I drummed my fingers as I waited for someone to say something. My father just sat there fiddling with his silverware and Lucy had Amber occupied in her new high chair.

 

“So..” John was the first to speak. “Anon Aaron..” Ok I guess we’re stepping right into this. I wasn’t sure how to approach the awkward topic. “You're married.. and I’m guessing.. step-father?” He quickly glanced at Lucy who’s face had cracked into a frown. “No offense of course.” 

 

“Amber’s mine.” I placed a hand over Lucy’s. “A bit of a miracle, but not impossible.” His eyes widened a bit as he gave the tiny ptero another inspection.

 

“Really?” He didn’t seem to know what to think. “My granddaughter’s a dinosaur… Lucy was it?” My wife nodded. “I apologize if my silent accusation offended you.”

 

“Don’t worry about it sir. The circumstances are a little odd I know.”

 

“Another question. If you don’t mind, that is.” Jane had finally pulled her eyes away from her granddaughter as she focused on Lucy. “Whatever happened to Fang? I’m sure that was your high school sweetheart…” Fang quickly blushed as she glanced away.

 

“Oh no that’s me! Uh.. it’s my stage name..” she brushed her silver hair out of her face.

 

“Stage name? What is it you do?”

 

“It’s nothing too exciting, I play with my band on the weekends. Nothing fancy. I'm actually the music teacher at Volcano High.” A hint of pride had filtered into her voice. Her smile genuine for the first time that night.

 

“That sounds lovely.. And you Anon? Surely you're not working this poor woman to the bone as a stay at home dad?” I think she meant for that to come out as a joke but it felt accusatory to me. Calm down, don’t overreact.. they seem genuinely interested in you for once in your life.

 

“I’m teaching as well. Physics actually.” 

 

“Well that’s nice! Being able to work together must be fun!” I noticed my Father seemed to have perked at the answer as well as he watched me.

 

“We don’t work together. I’m actually at the university…” Now that caught Fathers attention. His eyebrows rising as he straightened in his chair.

 

“Really?” His voice was filled with disbelief. 

 

“Ya at first I was going to follow Lucy here to Volcano high. But senior year she was pregnant… I freaked out.. and next thing I know I was doubling down for another year.” Terrible decision really, I barely passed. “I was scared I wouldn’t be able to provide for what a family needed.”

 

“It’s the man’s job to ensure his family is taken care of.” My father was nodding his head. I think I saw a bit of pride in his eyes for the first time. Fuck him. I did this, it’s my accomplishment to be proud of. 

 

A sudden squeal caught all our attention. Amber was fussing in her chair, pulling on the strap that held her down. Lucy was quick to shush her up with an affectionate nuzzle. My mother had shifted her seat over to sit right next to the tiny ptero, trying to catch her attention. But the toddler still was unsure of the new face, choosing instead to try and hide in her mothers hair. 

 

“She’s precious.. How old is she?” 

 

“A little over a year now.” Lucy had once again proven herself the toddler tamer as she expertly settled the angel down.

 

“Sorry I missed your birthday, little one.” Mother was once again trying for the tike’s attention, though thankfully she backed off when Amber gave a worried whine. “I would have been there if someone had told me..” that last part was obviously directed at me. John also stared me down as we sat in a few tense seconds of silence.

 

“Well what did you two expect?” I was sick of this silent bullshit. “You didn’t come to high school graduation, you never visited on any holidays, you even ignored my college graduation! I assumed you were done with me. So why should I keep inviting you to events just to get disappointed?” 

 

The waiter chose that awkward moment to come back and ask for our orders. Though she seemed to notice the atmosphere as she quickly tried to collect orders. They didn’t serve pizza, fucking unbelievable. Instead I have some alfredo pasta thing coming, which any other day would have sounded great. The waitress scurried away as soon as we finished.

 

“…” John was wringing his hands in front of him as he silently watched me. I matched his stare with my own. I’m an adult now, with my own life. “…Did I ever tell you that I took your mothers last name?”

 

That caught me a little off guard. I shook my head. I wasn’t sure how that applied to the current situation but I’ll let it play out.

 

“I used to be John Doe. I was named after your grandfather.” Grandfather? I.. don’t think I ever met him. I mean I knew I had one, but it was never brought up.

 

“You never got to meet your grandfather. Neither did I, he was already estranged when I met your father.” Jane had a hand on my fathers back.

 

“Your grandfather… wasn’t very nice. To anyone.” Oh she was comforting him. I was suddenly very uncomfortable. My father was always the straight faced, detached authoritative figure. It was… wrong to see him expressing such emotions. He cleared his throat before continuing. “When I was growing up I wanted nothing more than for him to disappear and leave me alone. When I turned 18 I ran and never looked back.” Another awkward silence took over the table. Was I supposed to say something? Tell him I’m sorry that happened? 

 

“…” I wasn’t going to interrupt. He seemed as if he had much more to say. So I chose to stay silent.

 

“I swore that when you were born that I would stay out of your business. I would financially support your choices and decisions and keep all personal influences away from you.” He stood a little straighter as he continued. “I was afraid to be near you…” his brow crinkled as he tried to put his thoughts into words. “My father never left me alone, so I swore that you wouldn’t face the same issue.”

 

“What’s changed? Why call us out here now?” So he had a shitty father, doesn’t give him an excuse… Ok maybe I was being unfair... I’m not some sulky teenager anymore. Without my Father I would have been on the streets instead of eating dinner with a wife and kid..

 

“Your grandfather died…” Ok I wasn’t expecting that. I never knew the man and from what my father said I’m glad I didn’t. Was I supposed to be sad? “I went to his funeral and was the only one there. My brothers didn’t show, neither did his own.” He rubbed a hand over his bald head. “And the only thing I could think? ‘Serves you right, bastard. Dying alone without anyone to carry on your name, never even meeting your grandson.’ I was happy he was gone, the world was a better place..”

 

Lucy’s hand had found mine under the table. She was taking his speech to heart. Maybe she saw a reflection of her own relationship with her father. The extreme of what could have been…

 

“I thought what I was doing was working. You suddenly needed a suit for prom, and we’re going to college…” oh ya. He gave me his suit for prom.. “You started to improve rapidly… and it happened when you left us behind. ‘He doesn’t need us anymore.’ So I didn’t think you needed us lording over your shoulder at every decision.”

 

“We thought that we were the ones holding you back.” Jane had a strange look on her face. “6 months away was all it took for you to change into a different person. It feels like we missed you growing up.” 

 

“A lot of stuff happened.” I gave Lucy’s hand a squeeze. “If it wasn’t for her I would probably be unemployed living in a gutter.” A blush tainted her cheeks.

 

“Anon has done more for me than I could ever express. You have a wonderful son.”

 

The waitress came with our food. Though my appetite was low. Instead I focused on helping Lucy convince the tiny ptero to try the new, unexplored food. Only a few sniffs had her turning her nose up to it, but a few bites from mommy to prove it was non-lethal had her sampling a few small bites. Luckily the alfredo tickled her fancy as she tried to lick the spoon clean on each bite.

 

My father hadn’t touched his food. Instead he watched his granddaughter with interest, as if imprinting this scene in his head. I didn’t like how old he looked…

 

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard you know.” 

 

“Heard what?” I spared a bit of attention away from Amber.

 

“That you had a kid… That you were married… A coworker congratulated me a week ago, and I didn’t believe him. He saw it on Facebook. I never used it much but when I looked I saw you had changed your status. Anon Aaron. Married with a daughter…” He shook his head slightly. “You know what else I saw?”

I mirrored his shake with one of my own. “I saw my funeral. You sitting there alone thinking ‘serves you right, bastard. Dying alone, never getting to meet your granddaughter.’..”

 

“… you're not that bad.”

 

“Maybe not, but still bad.” He stirred at his pasta. “I know it’s not the same… Look I’m not asking to come try and fix things between us. You're an adult now, I missed the chance. But I would like to know my granddaughter. Regardless of how.. scaly she is… Maybe I’m feeling old and sentimental…”

 

I chewed that over in my head. He wasn’t a bad father. What would be the change if he ghosted Amber? It’s not like we were even planning on them being in her life… Plus the toddler had seemingly finally warmed up the strangers, probably due to the filled belly and constant attention from her mother. Screw it. I’ve said it before, people can change.. 

 

“You weren’t that bad.. I wouldn’t have gone through college without you. You let me go across the country because I got embarrassed at school. Sure probably not the best parental decision… but I wouldn’t have met her if you didn’t.” Lucy spared a bit of attention away from the tike to nuzzle my cheek. 

 

My appetite had finally made a comeback. The knots in my stomach loosening as the stress of the evening left me. Pasta was actually pretty amazing, the price still seemed a bit much… but I could see why it was more expensive than pizza. The Mous’s appetite returned as well as we all began to eat properly.

 

“So.. how did you two meet?” 

 

“We were partners in science.” Small talk was good. Give us something easy to do while we eat. Also fills in some gaps I’m sure my parents are missing. 

 

“Oh that’s a classic romance! John here rear ended me at a stop light, he could have learned something from you.”

 

“The light was green by the way…”

 

“Shush! Anyways we exchanged information and one thing led to another… but anyways that’s a story for another day. So, was it love at first sight?”

 

“Well she pushed me down a flight of stairs first.” Lucy pinched my leg under the table.

 

“HE fell down the stairs and I nursed him back to health!” I scratched the back of my head.

 

“Is that what happened? I don’t know the memory’s fuzzy after I hit my head…” a chuckle escaped my lips as I shook my head. How was it I could look back at such a bad memory and laugh? Must be the outcomes that followed. 

 

The dinner continued with small talk, My parents eager to learn what they missed.. or prove that they were actually invested in us… Anyways, it was nice. But all good things must come to an end. This end being a snoot opening into a large yawn and a drawn out whine as she scratched at her eyes.

 

“Are you tired baby?” I rubbed a napkin against her lips, trying to clean some alfredo from her snoot. 

 

“…no..” A sniff escaped her as her face scrunched into a frown.

 

“Yup it’s bedtime.”

 

“..Noooo!”  The waterworks started and a quiet wail left her, Lucy quick to pull her out the chair. She bounced Pirate-Princess in front of the teary toddler, barely succeeding in quieting her down. But the damage was done. The temperamental tike’s mood was ruined and she was done with the night.

 

“We won’t keep you. Seems someone’s run out of steam.” John stood and motioned the waitress for the check. “I have the bill so go ahead and get her to bed.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“Thank you Mr. Mous.”

 

“Call me John.” He stuck his hand out for another shake before leaning over the carrier Amber was fighting to keep from being strapped in. “Goodbye Amber. Papaw's going to try and see you again soon.”

 

“Nana as well! Goodbye.” Lucy had given up on the carrier and instead had her pressed against the crook of her neck, rocking her with shushing sounds to placate the tired toddler. 

 

“Can you say goodbye Amber?” She shifted the tike away to face her towards her grandparents. The tiny ptero sniffled as she rubbed at her face. “Say goodbye Papaw, goodbye Nana!” Lucy gently encouraged.

 

“…go’bye Paw..” That was the best they were going to get as she got a grip on Lucy and buried her face back into her neck.

 

“Y’all have a goodnight.” I tossed the bag into the carrier and picked them both up. My father gave a nod and stuck his hand out to me, which I shook firmly. He winced, pulling back a little quickly. “Oh sorry about that. I’ve gotten used to dinosaur handshakes. It’s pretty rough the first few times…” 

 

“It’s fine.” He shook his hand out. “That’s a man’s handshake right there. Guess I can’t give ‘em anymore…” He turned and gave his card to the waitress. “Alrighty get the little one to bed already.” 

 

“Yes, better get her home before she starts hollering.” Jane was shooing me along as well. “Anon you found a wonderful woman… Surprisingly scaly, but definitely a keeper.”

 

“I know… so I guess I’ll call you guys later. We can make some plans or something.”

 

“Definitely.”

 

I rolled my shoulder and picked the carrier back up. Lucy had her hands full trying to deescalate the tired timebomb in her arms. I followed after them and stopped at the door, taking one last look back to my parents.

 

My father was sat back in the chair, staring at his right hand as he silently flexed it. My mother had taken my seat across from him, hands locked onto his left, thumbs stroking the back of it. Hopefully the next time we see them it won’t be 6 years…

 

I quickened my pace to catch up with Lucy, making it to the car the same time she did. Amber had gone limp in her arms, only proof she was still with us was a pathetic little wine as we strapped her in her chair, P.P tucked in her arms as she snuggled it. 

 

“Well?” I closed the door as quietly as I could before turning to Lucy who was watching me expectantly.

 

“Well what?”

 

“It wasn’t that bad was it? You were worried for nothing.”

 

“I wouldn’t say nothing..” she scoffed at that. “It’s easy to say something. It’s the doing part that catches a lot of people.”

 

“Come here.” She opened her arms, wings spread out behind her. I quirked an eyebrow. “Come here!” I rolled my eyes and embraced her, instantly getting swaddled in feathers. “Thank you…”

 

“Why are you thanking me?” That didn’t make any sense. If anything I should be thanking her.

 

“You didn’t have to come tonight; I know you didn’t want to. But you put your feelings aside for Amber…” I just had more to gain than there was to lose. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

 

“Well if we’re on the topic you could remind me…” 

 

“I love you.” She gave me a smooch. “I love you.” Another one. “I love you I love you iloveyouiloveyou!” She peppered me with rapid fire smooches, no doubt leaving a trail of lip prints from her makeup. I couldn’t help but laugh, trying to squirm out of her grasp. But alas, she was too strong as she smothered me with affection.

 

Finally I was able to pry the clingy ptero off me long enough to get in the front seat… or try to before being hip checked to the side as Lucy slid into the driver's seat.

 

“You drove us here, I want to drive back.”

 

“Can you even drive this thing?”

 

“It's not my first time dweeb.” she scoffed. “One more word and I think you'll be calling that weird Taxi driver to take you home.” I took my seat in the passenger. 

 

“He's not weird… he's like a total bro.”

 

“Ya well, your ‘Bro’ stole a plate of cookies before getting arrested after he ditched the wedding trashed out of his mind..”

 

“We don't know he was the one who took them! Lotta people there, any one of them could have made off with em. Also he didn't ditch the wedding, he got a call from work.”

 

“Ah yes, his job… where he has to drive a taxi… after he had enough alcohol to kill a human..” She slowly backed us out, and I mean SLOWLY. Any fear I had of her inheriting Naser’s speed demon had been demolished the first time I rode with her. Literal grandma levels of driving skill. Of course, I valued my life so I would never tell her this.

 

We've had this dance before. A little fake argument with some banter to share a little bit of how we felt with each other. It was fun to start little disagreements, nothing serious, just something to keep our energy up while we talked. But even that came to a close as the minutes ticked by. Riding in silence always got me contemplative, it's why I like to drive so much. Watching the road keeps me from thinking about useless things.

 

My eyes were drawn to the back seat. The passing streetlamps illuminate Amber every few seconds. She's out cold.. But she's there.. My little miracle.. I'm still not sure if I was really given a second chance. I think I was.. I was so sure all those years ago that I was. That feeling… That emptiness I felt still haunts my dreams. But when I look at her, that feeling is replaced with such warmth… 

 

I glanced at the driver seat. Lucy had her head perched on a hand as she watched the road, the streetlamps revealing a gentle smile on her face. I guess whether it happened or not doesn't matter anymore. I’m grateful for my life, I'm grateful for everyone in it… I know what really happened, and that's all that matters. I’m the happiest man on a rooftop. 

[POST-NOTES]
And with that we are completely done. It was fun while it lasted folks. sorry for the late update but A&P 2 is harder than A&P 1, who would have thought? Thank you again for reading.