Goodbye, Beth

On the day of the visit, Robert found himself fussing over Ethan, combing his hair three times and changing his clothes just as often, clearly stressing both himself and his young son.

"Do you think you need a haircut?" Robert mused, smoothing Ethan's locks only for them to spring back into their natural wave. "Your hair's getting pretty long. Let's see what your mom says; she might have a better opinion on this. I think it’s too long, what do you think, Ethan?" The baby was visibly upset by his father's indecisiveness, and Robert too was anxious. He wanted Alice to see that Ethan was well-cared for and that she didn't need to worry. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but this is the first day, and I know it's important for her, for all three of us. It's a big day for you too, you'll be in your mother’s arms." The room's door opened, and Bethany entered. Annoyed, Robert placed Ethan back in the crib and approached Bethany, searching her hands roughly for the key, which she, with a smile, did not