She tried to give Axel a weak smile, but couldn't quite manage it. She was still clinging to the book, having not dropped it. "Axel... what is a father?" she asked.

Because, yes, that was what was important now.

Well, actually the thing that to her was important to her she didn't want to bring up in front of someone else. (And not just because that thread hasn't progressed. Okay, yes that is a factor, hush.)