He looked at Ivy. He could not see her face.
"Get better," he said to her and she responded with a huffing sound.
The man came before Peter. His face was tanned and pleasant, and the woman at his side was attractive. Her hair was bright, like Ivy's. She looked at Peter sadly, and pressed her husband forward an inch.
He spoke. "Mr. Jones, we'd like to know how you intend to take care of this."
"Dad," Ivy said to the window, "lay off. We're dealing with it."
"We had hoped you wouldn't come," Mrs. Green said. "We would be the child's guardians if you hadn't. We'll gladly take care of her."
"Get out," Ivy said, poking Peter in the ribs. "Just get out with it all."
"This child's an enormous responsibility," the father said.
"Please let us take her."
"Right, Dad. Like you know all about it. Got a joint on you?"
"I can take care of her," Peter said, clutching the knapsack with both hands. "And I will provide for Ivy."