Christine and Joey were staying with the Hodgins family while their Mommy and Daddy took a trip. Mommy had a speaking engagement at UCLA, so she and Daddy were going to take a few extra days to enjoy the California sunshine, among other things.
"Make sure you take a break from your room long enough to get some sun", teased Angela. "I'd hate for you miss all that nice weather."
Brennan laughed. "We have a room with a balcony. We'll be able to see the sun if we want. Bye, Christine. Bye, Joey. Have fun with Aunt Angela and Uncle Jack."
But Christine wasn't having fun. She didn't want to play tag with Michael-Vincent or read any books. All she wanted to do was look up animal pictures on her tablet.
Angela went to check on Christine at bedtime. "Are you okay, Sweetie? You seem a little sad."
Christine nodded and said she was okay, but she didn't sound sure. Angela gave her a squeeze. "I know you miss your Mommy and Daddy, but they'll be home before you know it."
"Aunt Angela, what kind of wild animals have horns?"
"Well, that came out of the blue. I don't know...water buffaloes?"
Christine began to sob. "I don't want my daddy to turn into a water buffalo! I want him to be my daddy!"
"Christine, what are you talking about? Daddy won't be a water buffalo."
I heard Daddy say that while they were gone Mommy was going to turn him into a horny wild animal. He said he wanted Mommy to tame him. Mommy laughed and said that sounded like fun."
"It's okay, Sweetie. They're just playing a game. They're teasing. They won't change into animals, I promise."
Angela calmed Christine, and then made a phone call. "Brennan...we need to talk…"