Garak and Orkide sat stiffly on the sofa as the prylar scrolled through his PADD.
“I just have a few questions about your parenting philosophy and the child’s adjustment here, Mr. Garak. What do you use as disciplinary measures?”
“He doesn’t need any.” Orkide interjected. “I don’t do anything wrong.”
Garak placed his fingers on her forearm lightly. “We try to talk through any problems or conflicts that arise.”
The prylar blinked. “I’ll put revocation of privileges,” he said, looking down and making a note. Orkide rolled her eyes at Garak so hard he worried she might hurt herself, and he gave her a smile he hoped conveyed, please put up with this nonsense for just a little longer.
“Now, some questions about her adjustment. Is she eating normally?”
“Yes.”
“How is her hygiene?”
Garak stared at the cleric. He could feel Orkide’s challenge as she looked at him; she was biting her tongue, but would only do so for as long as she trusted Garak to stand up for her.
“Prylar Ocampo. I find it highly inappropriate to speak about someone in the third person as she is sitting right here. Orkide is perfectly capable of speaking for herself.”
“Oh, um, yes, of course. Do you feel like you’re adjusting well, Orkide? Are you attending school, settling into a routine?”
Orkide answered flatly, “Yes.”
“Now, Mr. Garak, I need to speak to the child separately. Can I ask you to step into the other room?”
Garak tilted his head in acknowledgment and went to his bedroom. He worried what would happen if this man referred to Orkide as “the child” one more time.
He could hear their conversation.
“Has Mr. Garak done or said anything to make you feel uncomfortable?”
Orkide’s no was dripping with disdain. A few more minutes, dear. Garak thought. Keep your patience for a few more minutes.
They stood up and called for Garak to return.
“Everything seems to be in order. I’ll just need to check that your bathroom and replicator are in working properly.” As he rose to do that, Garak flashed Orkide a relieved smile.
“Well, I’ll be filing my report when I return, but I don’t see any cause for concern. Thank you for your time, Mr. Garak. Orkide, walk with the prophets.”
To Garak’s immense relief, she did not roll her eyes.
The door closed and the atmosphere lightened.
“I believe that went well.”
Orkide shrugged.
Later that evening they sat side-by-side on the sofa again, each reading. Orkide spoke without looking up. “Does this mean I can stay here?” Her voice was small.
Garak contained his reaction, telling himself, don’t overwhelm her. “Yes, my dear. I believe it does.”
She didn’t answer, and didn’t look up, but as she returned to her reading she leaned against him, and Garak felt himself closing his eyes so as not to cry.
