William paused. "It's... kind of complicated."
Ella rolled her eyes. "Adults always use that excuse when they don't want to explain stuff."
"You're totally right. I'm sorry. I—" William hesitated. "I used to work in medicine. As a doctor."
"Used to?" Ella asked.
"I had to stop for reasons I can't explain right now."
"Because it's complicated?"
"Exactly."
Ella nodded like she got it. "My mom says some things are complicated too. She says I'll understand when I'm older."
"That's usually true."
"I don't like waiting to get older," Ella confessed. "I want to know things now."
"I know the feeling."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment.
Then Ella spoke again. "William?"
"Yes?"
"Do you have any kids?"
William's heart stopped.
He looked at his daughter, this beautiful, brilliant, perfect child, who had no idea who he was.
"Yes," he said quietly. "I do."
Ella perked up. "Really? How many?"
"One."
"Boy or girl?"
"Girl."
"How old is she?"
