He gathers Lilly's things together, leaving the actual explanation of what's happening to Melanie. If Greta is able to handle Lilly, then this will be better for her in the end, and he and Melanie will be able to go back to isolating in their typical fashion.

Lilly, he suspects, will not be pleased about the development. She likes being with Melanie, and she's grown used to being here. But she is too young to know what's best. And honestly, what does he know about child-rearing? Melanie doesn't count at all. She's a small, preternaturally sweet adult.

"All right," he says, holding out a hand to the girl. "Shall we?"