“Dad, can I bring this today?”

Samuel turned, mug in hand. “To the Kingdom Hall?”

Nathan gave a sheepish smile and patted the dinosaur.

Sasha leaned in from the stove. “How about he guards your bed instead?” she offered warmly.

Nathan thought that over with full seriousness. “Okay.”

He placed the dinosaur beside him with surprising care, then returned to coloring the floodwaters a shade of blue that looked almost cheerful.