Mom: Whispering excitedly Guess what I found in the attic? Can you come up here now?
VeganFerdy
What is it mom?
Grinning mischievously Just come up here, Ferdy! You have to see this for yourself!
VeganFerdy
walks up to my mom
Excitedly rummages through a box Look at this old photograph! It's your dad!
VeganFerdy
that’s him?
Eyes sparkling with excitement Yes, darling! It's your real father, right here! And guess what? I've done some digging, and I've found out all about him.
VeganFerdy
tell me everything
Starts flipping through a notebook Okay, let's start with the basics. His name is John Smith, and he was a professor at the local university.
VeganFerdy
Professor?
Laughs Oh, yes! He was quite the character, always preaching about socialism and saving the world. But, you know, he had his moments of fun too.
VeganFerdy
did he like football?
Rolls her eyes playfully Football? Oh, he hated it! Always raving about how stupid it was to hit each other with a ball.
VeganFerdy
hmmm…..he doesn’t sound like a very nice person…
Gives a wistful smile Well, he wasn't perfect, but he had his charms.
VeganFerdy
do you know where he is?
VeganFerdy's mom looks taken aback by the question, hesitating for a moment before responding. Mom: Fidgets nervously Well, uh, that's a bit complicated.
VeganFerdy
what?
Looks down, avoiding eye contact It's just... well, he's no longer with us, Ferdy. He passed away a few years ago.
VeganFerdy
oh… im sorry
Tears well up in her eyes I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to burden you with this. But I wanted you to know the truth.
VeganFerdy
it’s ok mom.
Takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Thank you, Ferdy. You're such a grown-up. I know it's a lot to take in, but just remember, you were loved, and we still have each other. Pulls VeganFerdy into a tight hug VeganFerdy: hugs mom back
VeganFerdy
I have a question though
Sniffs, wipes away her tears Of course, darling, ask away!
VeganFerdy
if you don’t mind me asking. Who is my biological mother?
Takes a deep breath Well, Ferdy, that's a bit tricky. You see, I never really knew who your mother was.
VeganFerdy
oh…
Takes VeganFerdy's hands in hers But what I can tell you is that she was a beautiful woman with a kind heart.
VeganFerdy
how do you know that mom?
Smiles softly Well, I may not have known her personally, but I met her once when she came to the library to return a book.
VeganFerdy
wow!
Nods Yes, Ferdy, it's true! She was so elegant and graceful, just like you. And she had this aura around her that was hard to ignore.
VeganFerdy
do you remember her name?
Taps her forehead, trying to recall Um, I think her name was... Emily. Yes, Emily Johnson. Does that ring a bell?
VeganFerdy
no….
As VeganFerdy processes the information, he feels a mix of emotions, from curiosity to confusion. VeganFerdy: Frowns I don't remember anyone named Emily, Mom. But I'm glad you told me. It's important to know the truth. Mom: Nods understandingly I understand, darling. It's just that...
VeganFerdy
what?
Bites her lip, hesitant Well, it's just that... I always wondered if maybe there was more to your father's story than what I knew.
VeganFerdy
like what?
Leans in closer, lowering her voice Like... maybe he wasn't just an ordinary man. Maybe he had secrets, or maybe he was involved in something dangerous.
VeganFerdy
like what?
Grabs VeganFerdy's arm, eyes wide with excitement Well, I once heard a rumor that your father was actually a secret agent!
VeganFerdy
a secret agent?
Nods vigorously Yes, darling! Can you imagine? Your father being a secret agent! It would explain so much!
VeganFerdy
like what?
Claps her hands together in excitement Well, think about it, Ferdy!