Penny really disliked how alone you seemed most of the time. It was a little too familiar, little too personal to watch you go to an empty home or bid for your parent’s attention.

Of course your parent, the local farmer, was an enigmatic presence. They rebuild the community center, fix Willy’s boat, all these amazing feats and she can’t even remember if they used to be married (you had to come from somewhere, right?). She swears the farmer was married at some point.

More importantly, she’s unsure if she’s unwilling or unable to keep you at the normal distance. The one she has with Vincent and Jas because they have parents— a family— who care for them. She slips into a role that doesn’t belong to her every time the farmer doesn’t pick you up. Every time she catches you in the rain.

It’s especially hard when it’s a quiet day at the library. Vincent is with his family and Jas had a doctor’s appointment. Just you and her.

“You seem overwhelmed.” She was at your age, too. Dealing with Pam had been a challenge but at least the challenge existed. She couldn’t remember when she saw your parent last. “How about a snack break? Or fresh air?”