Page 22 of Keeping Penny

As soon as her ears were covered, Pyro said in a low, angry tone, “That’s bullshit.”

“It is. But I didn’t have any other recourse. I did my best with her when I got home from work, but as you can see, she’s very social and misses playing with other kids. She’s comfortable around adults, but she’s wary around kids now, because the ones in the village weren’t very nice to her.”

“I can’t imagine anyone being mean to Bowie. She’s awesome,” Chaos said.

“Can I listen yet?” Bowie asked in a too-loud voice.

In response, Penny lowered her daughter’s arms. “We’ll find you the perfect school, sweetheart. You’ll go every day and get so smart, you’ll leave your mom in the dust.”

“Will the kids…will they like me?” Bowie asked. “I mean, even though I can’t see?”

“They’re going to love you,” Casper told her earnestly. “How could they not? You’re cute, and nice, and you’re the best share-er I’ve ever met.”

“I am. Mommy taught me that it’s better to be kind than mean.”

“She’s very smart,” Edge agreed.

“She’s the smartest person in the world, and I want to be just like her when I grow up.”

“Hey, Bowie. You want a tour of the ship? I’d be honored to take you around,” Casper said.

“Yes!” she said without hesitation.

“I’d like to replace the things that were stolen,” Pyro said, seeing a chance to get Penny alone, so he could reassure her if she had any concerns about moving into their bunk room. “And maybe get you both some new shoes. I would’ve gotten them before, but I didn’t know your sizes.”

“You don’t need to do that,” she said softly.

“I know I don’t. But I want to.”

“I’ll take good care of Bowie,” Casper said.

She stared at the other man for a long time before giving him a small nod.

“Mommy? Can I go?”

“Yes. But you hold on to his hand at all times. And don’t backtalk. And do whatever he tells you to do. He knows this ship much better than we do, and if he thinks something is dangerous, you should believe him. Okay?”

“Okay! Can we go now?”

Casper chuckled. “Sure. You want to meet my girlfriend, Laryn? I’m sure she’d love to meet you.”

“Hang on a sec, Bowie, let me clean off your hands. I’m sure Casper doesn’t want you holding on to him with that melted chocolate all over you.” Penny cleaned off her daughter’s fingers with a napkin. “Okay, all done.”

Bowie was out of her chair in a heartbeat. But instead of walking around the table toward Casper, she pushed her way between Pyro and her mom and threw her arms around him. “Thanks, Kylo-Pyro,” she said against his chest.

Pyro embraced the child without hesitation. “For what, Bowie-Bear?”

“For the shoes. And the chocolate. And for making my mommy feel safe. Her voice is different now than it was before. I can hear it when she talks to you. So thank you!”

Pyro’s throat grew tight. “You’re welcome.” He glanced up at Penny and saw such an immense look of love on her face as she stared at her daughter, it felt like he was seeing a personal moment he had no business witnessing.

“Where do you want to meet back up with us?” Penny asked Casper.

Bowie moved to hug her mom, then made her way around the table toward Casper.

“How about back at our bunk room?”

“I can take your belongings there now,” Edge said. “So you don’t have to carry it around.”