"I hear that you can be pretty stubborn at times. And you care enough about Dean to be talking to me, of all people," I point out, almost managing a grin, although it doesn't quite make it all the way. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear, though. I'm hoping the kid takes after Dean. Also hoping he's a boy. Girls might get the better clothes, but something tells me all of the trade-offs still don't come out quite even."

It's the helplessness, my mind adds. Too many odds stacked against us as a group. Too few choices.