In a small, dilapidated house by the airport, a twelve-year old tigress heated canned beef stew. After filling one bowl for herself, she turned the heat down to a simmer so it would stay warm for the snoring tiger in the living room. Her father said he would have a quick nap, but that was hours ago. Considering how late the airport kept him working, Eliza thought it best to let him sleep longer. This was the third night in a row. She missed him in the late hours he was away or sleeping, but she never brought it up. He already felt guilty enough. Eliza's bowl was nearly empty when her father walked in yawning.

"Welcome back to the living," she teased.

Silas smiled and ruffled her hair. "Sorry, kiddo." He turned off the stove and poured the remaining stew in his own bowl. "You could've woken me earlier, you know."

"And disturb your dreams? Not a chance" They both laughed. "Maybe I should cook for you and the other pilots."

"You're not getting out of school that easily, young lady," he mock-scolded.

"Why not, it might be easier for us if…" she stopped herself. As appealing as not going to school was, he was working these extra hours to pay for her school bill. The least she could do was be grateful. She expected him to get annoyed, but he just stared at his untouched stew. "You know I'm only kidding, right?"

"I know. It's just," he paused. She knew that look. He always had it when he had bad news.

"Dad, whatever it is, I can handle it."

"I know." He smiled, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her head. "I've been offered another job."

Eliza's eyes widened. "Where?"

"An airbase north of Cape Suzette. They said this new job pays better and offers housing."

"Dad, that's great!" Eliza almost bounded out of her seat but slunk back when her dad's expression didn't change. "Then what's the bad news?"

"The housing is for employees only. They can't make space for family."

"Oh." Eliza slumped in her chair. "So, who will I stay with?"

"I didn't say I'd take the job."

"But I really think you should."

"I am not abandoning you." His brows narrowed. "Do you honestly think I would choose money over you?"

"No, but we are struggling." She didn't want to admit for a long time, but it was getting out of hand. Plus, she worried for her father's health. He walked around with bags under his eyes. When he looked at her skeptically, it was time to pull out the final stop. "Besides, I'm getting tired of canned food."

He chuckled "Yeah, me too."

I knew it. Eliza thought.

"The truth is," Silas continued, "I do want you to have a better life, but," he pulled her into a hug. Eliza felt tears dripping on her heard. At the same time, her own tears drizzled down her cheek. "I can't leave you."

"I'll be fine, Dad. I can take care of myself." When she least expected it, he had her in a headlock, rubbing her head with his knuckles.

"That's cause you're such a trooper," he laughed.

"Ow! Ow! Dad, cut it out!" He released her, still laughing while she rubbed her head. "Just because I can handle it, doesn't mean I'm invincible."

"I know, but you're so cute when you get annoyed."

"Dad!" she groaned. She let him laugh a little longer before asking her next question. He always acted cheerful to hide his problems. "So, who will I stay with?" He scowled. Eliza could tell right away she wasn't like this. Not if he didn't like it.

"I hate to say it, but there was only one person I can ask."

"Who?"

"My brother Shere Khan."