Page 446 of Lodestar

Anton:Anything. Everything.

Star:Huh.

Anton:If you wish to talk to me in return, that is.

Star:I don’t not want to talk to you.

Anton:I suppose that’s something.

Star:It’s a lot of somethings. I don’t want to talk to many people.

Anton:Then I’m honored.

Star:Yes.

Star:I’m meeting up with an old soldier buddy of mine tomorrow.

Anton:That’s nice. You served together?

Star:We did. We play chess together. He always beats me.

Anton:The next time we meet, I shall teach you some tricks. Chess is my sport of choice.

Star:I’d like that. We could teach Kat? She doesn’t have much patience.

Anton:Yes, I should meet her.

Star:Troy says Lyra’s settling in, by the way.

Anton:She told me this too. You haven’t seen her?

Star:Not really. Been busy, plus Troy dances to the beat of her own drum.

Anton:Your daughter is well?

Star:She’s been having nightmares. Conor gave me a list of shrinks to look up but I’m wary about choosing one.

Anton:Why?

Star:I don’t trust them with her. I certainly don’t trust her past with them.

Anton:Understandable, I suppose. When I was a child, we didn’t have such things. That isn’t to say that the world isn’t a better place for having them, but perhaps you could talk to her? Get her to open up?

Star:I’m scared to make things worse.

Anton:Then don’t pressure her and, in a pinch, you have a list of someones you can call on if things do not turn out right.

Star:True. I could try, at least.

Anton:That is all any of us can do.

Star:Have you heard of Rachel Laker?

Anton:The attorney, of course.

Star:She and I and a few other women are starting a foundation.

Anton:I know. I saw the paperwork. Helped push it through.

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