She nods, inserting herself in Clay’s line of vision. “Sweetheart, darling, I wish you could understand why I’ve been gone for so long.” Her tone speeds up. Her eyes are too wide. Her hands flutter like panicked birds. “It was impossible to have you here while I focused on my work. What would I do with a child running around the labs? You would’ve just gotten into trouble. But now, it can all be different.” She reaches a hand out to touch his cheek and he steps back.

“You left when me I was a baby. Pa said he was forced to bring you here to breed.” He points to his father who shrugs, drops his head and twiddles his fingers on his revolvers.

She clasps her hands together. “We couldn’t tell you the truth, darling. It was better you thought I was out of your reach. I’ll admit I did get a little obsessed. We were so close to perfecting the procedure.” She looks up at Clay. “That doesn’t matter. What matters is when I saw you on the monitors when you came to get Riley.”

Eyes turn to me, then back to the doctor.

“I knew I had to see you. I asked your father to bring you earlier today, but he was unable.” She shoots him a glance.

The Sheriff eyes Clay. “Gave me the slip, didn’t ya, boy? Beat me back home to see her.” He nods to me, disgusted. “Yer ma and I figured you’d come after the filly. Guess we was right.” He smirks, but Dr. Vandewater shoots him another glare.

“Clay, darling, listen. I’ve given so much of my life to this job. Now it’s my turn. I need to connect with you again.”

Clay blinks and shakes his head slightly. “I—I don’t understand. You want to come back now?”

She takes a step forward, her hand outstretched. “I gave up a life with you and with your father so I could help them here at the hospital. It was the right thing to do, but I’ve given them eighteen years of my life and now it’s my turn. I’m stepping down from the experimental program. I have time now. Time for you.” She cups Clay’s cheek. This time he doesn’t pull away. “It’s not too late for us.”