There was a weird smile lurking around the corners of Dad's mouth when He looked at Ghastly; a mix of amusement and pride, almost. "You'd be surprised where hope can come from, Barn. Ain't a shameful thing to need a reminder, sometimes."

He grinned suddenly, and now there was something eminently mischievous about the expression, as if there was an inside joke Dad was referring to. "I always take care, lad. You take care too, and don't forget to drop a line when you need it, no matter what kinda line you're usin'."

The last was added on not exactly in afterthought, but still as an addition. A clarification, almost, and yet a statement at the same time.

Dad lifted his hand to doff His cowboy hat at both Barney and Allie. "Eat well, pardners. See you 'round."

Then He turned to leave, not dismissively or hurriedly, but just with that easy casualness of a much-enjoyed meeting come to a natural end. He waved to the other kids and the nurses in the ward, His backpack slung lazily across one shoulder. Each of them waved back or gave Him a smile in return to His own. At the door He paused, turning to wait patiently for Ghastly to also be done at the tailor's own leisure, at his own time.