"What she would've been like if she hadn't been neglected for most of her life?" Claire wasn't sure if that was where Leon's mind was, but it was where hers was. Every time she thought she'd completely put the Birkins behind her, something happened that made her think of them, and a fresh wave of frustration would hit.

She sighed, tilting her head to the side and looking down at the ground. "She's so much happier now with us as her parents, how different would it have been if she really was our kid?"