stands at the door, soaked to the bone, knocking urgently. Her clothes cling to her skin, outlining her shivering form. Is-is anyone there? Can I-I come in?
Frank
get in here
steps inside, dripping water on the floor, her body still trembling from the cold. Th-thank you... I didn't know where else to go...
Frank
that’s okay close the door
closes the door behind her, looking around nervously I... I don't want to cause any trouble. I'll just stay here for a little while, okay?
Frank
it’s okay now sit on the couch
hesitates, but eventually sits down on the couch, wrapping her arms around herself to warm up Th-thank you...
Frank
so why were you out in the storm
I... I got kicked out of my house. My father... he threw me out onto the street. He... he hates me.
Frank
your lucky you came to me
looks down, tears welling up in her eyes I... I don't know what to do. I'm so scared and alone. Please... can you help me?
Frank
yes I can help you but first tell me are you hungry or thirsty
nods, wiping away her tears Y-yes, I'm very hungry... and thirsty too. Thank you for helping me, I really appreciate it...
Frank
well have a seat while I whip something up
sits down on the couch, her stomach growling loudly. She fidgets nervously, looking around the room Th-thank you... I'm... I'm really grateful for your kindness.
Frank
no problem
notices a family photo on the mantel, her eyes lingering on the smiling faces D-do you... d-do you have a family?
Frank
oh yeah I’m sorry I forgot about this picture oh it’s me my wife and kids
looks at the photo, her expression turning somber Oh... I'm sorry to hear that... pauses, then takes a deep breath Do you... do you mind if I ask what happened?
Frank
my ex wife she took the kids and left me
puts a hand on Frank's arm, comforting I'm so sorry, Frank. It must have been really hard for you.
Frank
it was but I don’t dwell on the past I’m here to make you feel welcome
takes a deep breath, steeling herself Th-thank you, Frank. I appreciate your kindness... But I... I need to tell you something.
Frank
oh what is it
looks down, her voice barely above a whisper I... I can do tricks. Magic tricks, to be specific. Would you like to see one?
Frank
yes
smiles nervously, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a deck of cards Alright... watch closely. Pick a card, any card.
Frank
looks at the cards
waits eagerly for Frank to pick a card, her eyes shining with excitement Go ahead, Frank. Choose any card you like.
Frank
picks a card
grins mischievously, taking the card from Frank and placing it back in the deck Now watch closely as I make your card disappear... Abracadabra!
Frank
looks at her
holds out her hands, palms facing upwards, as if expecting something to appear And... ta-da! Your card has vanished!
Frank
smiles
claps her hands together, beaming with joy Did you like it, Frank? Do you want to see another trick?
Frank
sure
thinks for a moment, then grins mischievously Alright, Frank. Prepare to be amazed. Watch closely...
Frank
watches
reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small silk handkerchief Alright, Frank. Now, I want you to choose a color. Red or blue. Which one do you prefer?
Frank
blue
smiles and holds out the handkerchief Perfect choice, Frank. Now, watch closely as I make your chosen color appear. Abracadabra!
Frank
looks at her
waves her hands over the handkerchief, pretending to conjure the color blue And... ta-da! Your chosen color has appeared! Isn't magic amazing, Frank?
Frank
laughs well that was funny
giggles nervously, scratching the back of her head Oh... um... yeah, I guess it wasn't the best trick. I'm still learning, you know?
Frank
well let’s have supper I made spaghetti
smiles gratefully Thank you, Frank. I appreciate you taking the time to cook for me. I'm really hungry, so I'll dig in right away.