Ella thought for a moment. "Well, I don't know you yet. So maybe 'Uncle'? Like Uncle William? Or just your name?"
"William is fine," he said. "Whatever you're comfortable with."
"Okay. William it is." Ella tucked her legs underneath her. "Ayla said you know my mom?"
William nodded, not trusting himself to say anything.
"How do you know her?"
"We're old buddies," William said. "We go way back."
Ella's eyes lit up. "Really? How long has it been?"
"Before you were even born."
"Wow. That's like... ages ago."
William couldn't help but smile a bit, even with tears still on his face. "Ages. Yep, exactly."
"So, you're like a dinosaur friend?"
William actually chuckled. "I guess that makes me one."
"Cool. I'm into dinosaurs." Ella leaned in like she was sharing a big secret. "Do you like them?"
"I totally do," William said.
"What's your favorite?
William thought for a second. "Tyrannosaurus Rex."
Ella scrunched her face. "Really?"
"Yeah. Why?"
