His father had been unfailingly wise, good-natured, and patient. Not ill-tempered and bitter, as Ash had become. His father had been strong. Able to lift his son onto his shoulders without wincing. His father had possessed a handsome, noble face. A face that had never failed to make Ash feel protected and secure. If Ash couldn’t give his own son that bone-deep feeling of safety, it was better that he stay away.
