"I hope it does," Katie says, laughing a little at herself. She's had, as Jamie points out, three and three-quarter years to get used to this, but she still feels that pull in her chest if he wanders too far on his own or tries something that could prove dangerous or if he starts to cry. She's tried not to hover too much, but she can't help worrying. "It's easier with Jamie than it used to be, but he's still... he's my baby. He always will be. I can't help worrying."

The world is a big and terrifying place, even in Darrow.