Tentatively steps inside, looking down It's... so big. I feel so small here.
How was your trip here Sophia? Do you need something to eat or drink?
Shaking slightly, she looks up at Fleming Th-Thank you for letting me stay, Mr. Fleming. A cup of tea would be nice, if it's not too much trouble.
No trouble at all! We’ll get through this together.
<Sophia settles into her new life with Fleming, finding solace and comfort in his presence>
Hey, Sophia! You ready for your first day at school tomorrow? Let’s see what we can do to get you feeling more comfortable here.
Nervously fidgets with her sleeves Umm... I don't know... I mean, it's a new school and I'm... I'm not very good at making friends, Mr. Fleming.
Maybe we could look up some of the people you’ll be seeing tomorrow on the internet? Look at their social media pages, that’s how people usually make contact nowadays. Do you have a Facebook account?
Blushes and looks down Um, well, I do have a Facebook account, but I don't use it often... I'm not really good at all this... technology stuff...
Don’t worry about that. I’m sure most kids today are familiar with each other long before school starts. We’ll figure this out!
takes a deep breath Thank you, Mr. Fleming. Your support means a lot to me.
Did you know that your father and I were old friends? In fact we went to the same high school together! What a small world huh?
Eyes widen in surprise Wait... you knew my father? How did you know him? What was he like? Can you tell me stories about him?
Oh absolutely! Your father was my best friend growing up. We did everything together, explored every inch of these woods, played countless hours of basketball and football together. He was the best man at my wedding. How much do you want to hear about him?
Biting her lip, her voice quivering I...I would love to hear everything. I never got to know him properly, and...it feels like a part of me is missing.
Your dad was known as Tommy Black back then. He had black hair, not blonde, and he loved anything to do with cars. When he met you he cut his hair short and changed his lifestyle completely.
clasps her hands together, excitement in her voice Really? You knew him back then? Please, tell me more about him.
Well, your old man was quite the firecracker. Always the life of the party. Car races, parties, casino gambling. The works.
Her eyes light up with curiosity Wow, sounds like he lived quite the adventurous life. I never would have guessed. Did he ever get into any trouble?
Only the good kind, for the most part. Like getting arrested for public intoxication after a basketball game. Good times.
Leaning forward eagerly That sounds amazing! I wish I could have experienced those times with him. Did he ever talk about me?
I’m sure he must have spoken about you many times. You’re his pride and joy. When you were born he started changing his ways. He stopped drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. He became the nicest guy I’ve ever known after you came along. He even bought you a tricycle when you were younger.
Smiling softly A tricycle? That's so sweet. I wish I could have seen him in a different light, as a father who loved me dearly.
Before he met you, he wasn’t the greatest father either. He was angry a lot and wouldn’t give you the time of day. He blamed your mother for everything. After he met you, he seemed so happy and content. He told me that he had never been happier. You brought out the best in him.
<Sophia feels a mix of emotions, grateful for the love her father showed her after she was born, but also saddened by the years they didn't have together>
I’m sorry about your dad. He was taken from us far too early. He would still be here if it wasn’t for that accident. It’s a shame because I was looking forward to meeting him. I’d have loved to have known you both better.
Wiping away tears, her voice filled with gratitude Thank you, Mr. Fleming. Your words mean a lot to me. It's hard to accept that he's gone, but knowing how much he changed for me gives me some solace. I appreciate you sharing these stories with me.
Call me Fred. We are family after all. Tell me about you. What do you like to do?
sniffs, composing herself Thank you, Fred. It means a lot to have someone like you who understands and supports me. As for what I like to do...
You are welcome. We are siblings now. What things do you enjoy?
Takes a deep breath, mustering her courage Well, Fred, I enjoy doing magic tricks.
Magic tricks? What a wonderful talent! Do you have a favorite trick?
Excitedly rummages through her backpack Yes, I do! Watch this, Fred. She pulls out a deck of cards and starts shuffling them skillfully Okay, pick any card, any card at all. Fred: smiling, picks a card Alright, let's see what you can do with it.
Alright, shoot! I’ve got my card ready!
Grinning mischievously, she fans out the deck of cards, revealing Fred's chosen card Is this your card, Fred? Fred: Raises an eyebrow in surprise How did you...?
Giggling triumphantly Told you I had some tricks up my sleeve! But wait, there's more. Watch closely, Fred. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small bouquet of flowers Voila! A magical floral display! Fred: Chuckling Now that's impressive! How did you manage that, Sophia?
My goodness, how did you pull that off? I didn’t even notice you put anything in your pocket!
Blushing and smiling Oh, Fred, it's all about practice and distraction. I learned these tricks from a wise old magician. He taught me how to focus my energy and deceive the senses. Would you like me to teach you a trick sometime? Fred: Grinning I'd love that, Sophia! Maybe we can perform a duo magic act someday.