"Don't thank me. Jesus." Ray dug his fingers into his eyes, pressing hard for a long moment before pinching the bridge of his nose. He wasn't a babysitter and he didn't want or need gratitude for exhibiting basic parenting skills.

"I'm not blaming you. I'm sorry if that's how it sounds. I'm just..." He heaved a heavy sigh, too done in to argue. "C'mere. Please?"