"That's... actually how my parents started out. Or at least, how I thought they were, until I figured out that half the reason my dad was so distracted in the first place was just because he was, you know. Trying to make my life better, and to protect me, and just make sure that nothing happened to me. Mom, though, she was kind of caught up in the show dog business for a while," Claire smiles, although it's thin and unsure. How many times, after all, had Sandra's mind been wiped over the years, before Claire knew about any of it? Maybe Sandra had been twice as attentive, only to have it drawn back every time.

While she doesn't hold it against her parents anymore, a part of her might always feel uncertain over the matter.

"Anyway," she says, catching his glimpse towards Sam. "I think you're already doing great. From what little I've seen. She seems really comfortable with you."