During dinner, Ava chatted away, expertly buttering up Atlas. "Uncle Atlas is the best!"

Atlas was delighted and indulgent. "Why is that?"

"You brought Barbie dolls. Now I have a family! There's a Barbie mommy and two Barbie sisters!" She looked at Atlas. "They're a family, and I don't want Barbie Daddy. He's mean! I want you, not Daddy!"

Atlas was charmed, showing no signs of minding her words. He even fed her.

After the meal, I cleaned up as he and Ava played in the living room. I had never imagined he would get along so well with her, speaking to her in a patient and child-friendly manner.

While playing, Ava suddenly remembered something. She hurried over to Atlas, pulling a piece of candy from her pocket. With great solemnity, she unwrapped it and offered it to Atlas. In her sweet voice, she said, "This is my repayment! Mommy says we should repay kindness!"

That night, she played until very late. I bathed her and put her to bed. Reluctantly, she asked, "Uncle Atlas, will you