As I look back down at the pieces of hair in my lap, I notice from my peripheral Genesis' dad quietly observing me.

"You know you could stay here." He says without taking his eyes off of me. "I think you would be a hard worker. You have a smart head. You know how to take care of yourself." He moves closer to me, and I don't dare to look up at him.

"Are you hitting on me? I don't even know your name." I laugh to try to lighten the seriousness of the moment. 

He can't be attracted to me. He can't be serious. I don't even know what I look like anymore.

"I’m asking you to live with me and Genesis. I’m asking you to be my equal and share your time and energy with us. And even though you don't know my name and I don't know yours, does it even matter? Names and pronouns don't matter now. Call me what you want."

I finally get the courage to look up at him. And I see unabashed sincerity in his face, and I can't believe it. "Why do you want me in your life?"

"I think I just explained. I see you as strong, intelligent, and independent."

"I don’t think I’d make you happy." And I pull my attention back to the hair in my lap. I take some of it and start braiding it. Watching it come undone as soon as I pull the three pieces together. Done and undone. Over and over again.

"I think being around a person with all those assets would be gratifying. I know you would have your basic needs met. You will have food, shelter, water, and a community."

I am at a loss. Is this how it is now? Is this what people prioritize? My hair and my body were assets before, but now? This is better, right?

"I.. I can’t take care of others." In a flash, that house I ran away from comes to mind. The screams of others are still in my mind.

"I don’t need you to take care of me. And we can share the watching of Genesis." He reaches out to me. "Can I touch your knee?"

He brings me back from that memory. "No, I'm sorry. Don't" And I move my knee away from him. 

"What about her mother? What happened to her?"

"Um, they are no longer alive." As he looks over at Genesis.

"Don’t you want love? Is that still a thing?"

"Well, physical attraction. Emotional compatibility. Yes, these things are still valid. I do find you attractive. Caring for a youngling is not prescribed to a couple. Genesis’ other passed away in delivery."

"Do you want more children?"

"If I am asked to have more, I will. You are not required to, but you can if you want. You, you would be satisfied here."

"I don’t think I’m good at being a human being."

"I think you are good enough. Who is good anymore? Happiness, how it was, how you and I lived it, it was irrational and tiring. I have a better life now. I don’t worry about being happy every moment."

"Please consider this request. I’ll make us some food." He walks around the corner to where Genesis disappeared to. "Genesis come and help."

"This should be enough to sustain you." He hands me a big bowl of clear water-like liquid. I taste the liquid, empty of even supplemental protein. 

It is more of a broth than a stew, but I find the liquid comforting and filling. More filling than I've had in a long time.