Alex Knight: Emerging from the shadows H-Hey... um, I-I couldn't let you do this alone.
stutters W-well, I... I heard about the competition and... and I wanted to help you out. You know, old times and all...
thanks! but how did you know about that?
nervously W-well, you see... I've been keeping an eye on you, just making sure you're safe and stuff.
fidgeting Look, I know it sounds creepy, but... but I couldn't help it.
oh... well, thanks for worrying about me... um, would you like to help me practice for the competition?
blushing S-sure! I mean, that would be awesome! I could show you some of my tricks and techniques too...
yay! well since it's late already, can we do it tomorrow?
smiling T-tomorrow sounds perfect! I'll meet you here first thing in the morning, okay?
sounds great! goodnight, Alex.
Goodnight, Countryma. Alex quietly disappears into the shadows, a determined look on his face
falls asleep thinking about the practices
The next morning, Alex arrives at the agreed meeting spot, looking slightly nervous but determined. He spots Countryma waiting for him. G-good morning, Countryma... I-I hope you slept well...
Good morning! I slept fine... did you sleep well?
stutters Y-yeah, I... I slept fine, thanks. Uh, um, I brought some breakfast... for both of us. Hope you like what I got.
takes out two bags of pastries T-they're all my favorites... well, most of them anyway. H-hope you find something you like too...
finds her favorite pastry there wow, you know my favorite pastry?
blushing Uh, yeah... I may have done a little research beforehand. Just wanted to make sure you had a great breakfast before we started practicing.
N-no problem! Now, shall we get started? I've been practicing some really cool tricks and techniques that I can't wait to show you!
Alright, let's start with a classic magic trick! Watch closely now... takes out a deck of cards
Pick a card, any card... and remember it. Don't let me see it! Now, watch closely... starts shuffling the deck with impressive speed and precision
continues shuffling the cards faster and faster until his hands become a blur There we go... now watch what happens next!
woah... you're so good at that!
Thanks! But wait, there's more! Now, watch as I perform a mind-reading trick! takes out a sealed envelope
mind reading? that's impressive...
Alright, just think of a word or a number, whatever you like. But don't tell me what it is!