Lexx slowly approached, still dragging his feet as though they were made of lead.
Chel noticed him standing quietly nearby after a moment and caught the swing to stop it. “You’re back!” She grinned at Lexx, then cheerfully spoke to Maenae, “Hey, Maenae, look, Lexx is back.”
Maenae wriggled around to face Lexx. “Daddy!”
Lexx snapped.
“I am not your daddy. Stop calling me that.” His tone was sharper than he’d intended, but there was no taking back the words.
Maenae stared at Lexx, mouth open in disbelief that he’d spoken like that to her.
