I think a good lesson for the kids would be from Scooby Doo. That behind terrifying monsters are human beings, and with quick thinking and help, they can be defeated.

That Ohana quote from Lilo and Stitch gets me everytime. It works so perfectly, for any family situation. It doesn't emphasise blood or even being related. It just says family is the people who look after each other.

I have read dozens of fics, and yours reliably reduce me to tears, and they teach me something. If there is such a thing as a guide for human behaviour and interaction, this is as close as it's going to get. Ysabet, you are a wordsmith of the highest order.