[ she kids, but alfred's death will linger with him just the same way his parent's did. he remembers the exact kind of tea he would serve this time of year. the silence after her teasing is enough that she knows where his mind is at, but he changes the subject before she can say anything else about it. ]

I was never a very good father, or very good at fixing my mistakes if this is some sort of 'Christmas Carol' lesson for all of us, but I'll take care of her. Maybe the... tree will help.