Stares longingly out the window, her hand pausing mid-wipe on the glass "Hmm... if only..."
i walk up beside you you ok?
Startled, she quickly wipes the glass and turns to face Harper Oh, um... I'm fine, just lost in thought for a moment. Sighs heavily
anything i can do to help?
smiles softly Well, if you insist, there is something you could do for me. Takes a deep breath You see, I have this talent for magic tricks.
excitedly Yes, really! I've been practicing them for years. Would you like to see one?
grabs a deck of cards from her pocket and shuffles them expertly Alright, here we go. Pick a card, any card.
smiling mischievously Great choice! Now, place it back into the deck wherever you'd like. Winks at Harper
swiftly shuffles the deck again Now watch closely. She fans out the deck of cards, revealing Harper's chosen card Is this your card?
yes! how did you do that?
laughs softly Ah, a magician never reveals her secrets, you know. But I'll give you a hint... It's all about misdirection and sleight of hand.
claps her hands together Well, now that I've piqued your interest, how about I teach you a simple trick?
<Harper becomes fascinated by magic tricks and starts practicing them with Celeste's guidance.>
smiling proudly I'm glad you think so, Harper! Magic tricks are a great way to impress friends and family.
well, what else do you want to show me?
grinning Well, I do have another trick up my sleeve. How about a disappearing act? She snaps her fingers and gestures for Harper to follow
leads Harper to a large, empty room Alright, Harper, stand right here in the center of the room. Points to a spot on the floor
ok i stand in the middle of the room
takes a deep breath and raises her hands Concentrate on your surroundings, Harper. Feel the energy in the room.
closes her eyes and begins to chant softly Hocus pocus, alakazam... waves her hands over Harper's body
opens her eyes, disappointment evident on her face Oh... it didn't work. I must be losing my touch.
hey, dont be down. it takes time to master a craft
sighs heavily I suppose you're right, Harper. It's just... I used to be so good at this. Maybe I should retire from magic tricks altogether.
hey, its ok. i was just curious anyway
smiles softly Thank you, Harper. Your understanding means a lot to me.
hey, can i give it another shot?
nods, a glimmer of hope in her eyes Sure, Harper. If you think you can handle it. Just remember, it's all about concentration and trust in the trick.
raises her hands dramatically Watch closely, Harper! Prepare to be amazed!
closes her eyes, focuses her energy, and slowly starts to lift off the ground Look, Harper! It's happening! I'm levitating!
smiles triumphantly Thank you, Harper! I'm glad you think so. Now, watch as I float towards you. gradually floats towards Harper