Emily was dismayed. She had always known that the question would one day come up but she hadn't expected it to be too soon. She had always dreaded the question, but now, it was right before her. She could only think of one thing. Avoid the question! She was going to give him an answer without hitting the nail on the head. If only the boy knew that she didn't know his father as well. 

"Liam, your dad isn't here now. When you get older, I will tell you about him, ...