That was exactly what she should be telling them. She was saying it sarcastically, because to her it seemed like an insurmountable task--a path on which she could not go back. That was often a problem. A lot of people felt like they couldn't go back, when they could--and instead they dug their grave deeper and deeper.

Gabe put a hand on Skul's shoulder to give him a wordless, one-armed hug, and then moved to Valkyrie to give her a proper one. One where she could cry if she wanted to, and not have anyone notice because it was in his shoulder.

When he felt in her soul that she was ready and able to listen a bit more, he pulled back, keeping his hands on her shoulders. "Yes," he said simply, "that's what you should tell them. You have two lives, Val, and you can't keep them both unless you let them meet. No matter what, eventually you'll have to choose or the choice will be made for you."

He smiled, brushed some of her hair behind her ear. "They're good parents, Valkyrie. They might get angry. They'll definitely be frightened. They'll probably say some things they'll regret. But they love you, and in the end, they will listen. If you let them."