when we were young and unafraid.

that's an awful theatrical assessment of the situation, abner thinks, but don't say, because he was taught to know when to hold his tongue so his hide don't get tanned. not that he has to worry about that with humanfolk anymore.

in its stead: " i'll deal with m' own family matters. s'pecially concerning my children. " a heartbeat's pulse. " all due respect. "

he stays firmly planted on his porch, arms folded over his chest, leaning against a post in a way that doesn't give him any image contrary to calm, cool, and collected.