Eloise was swinging up and down, her little feet kicking up into the air each time she went higher. Her mother watched from the bench facing the playground, her hand placed on her handbag.

“This seat taken?” A male voice interrupted the focus the mother had, she barely reacts however and instead just glances at him as he sits. “So, you’ve been here a while. How’re you acclimating?”

“Acclimating?” The mother huffs out a laugh. “That what it’s called?”

“Just answer the question.” The man replies.

“Everything is fine. The girl is healthy. Shows no signs of any irregularities yet.”

“Yet.” The man echoes. “Are you sure?” His eyes narrow slightly as he focuses.

“I’m sure. Nothing. I’m watching for them.”

“That’s good. And how are you?”

“I’m bored of all this,” the mother gestures airily towards the playground. “The daily routine, the mundanity of it all.”

“You knew what you were signing up for,” the man sighs.

“Yes, I did,” the mother also sighs. They both sit a while, occasionally glancing at one another, then towards Eloise.