Thursday in Vanni and Mez's room ...

MEZ:

I can’t believe you’re really leaving.

VANNI:

It’s only temporary. I can’t let Syrrah go back to her family alone. 

At least if I’m there, I know she’ll return.

MEZ:

How long do you think you’ll be gone?

VANNI:

I’m not really sure. But remember, you promised to read Noli her

bedtime story while I’m gone. I don’t want her routine interrupted.

MEZ:

OK …Vanni who am I going to talk to if something happens?

VANNI:

Awe Mez, you’re going to miss me.

MEZ:

No really Van, everything’s going great. 

What if I screw up?

VANNI:

You won’t, and Fin’s here.

MEZ:

I can’t talk to him, it’s too weird. He’s my sister’s

boyfriend, it’s like talking to her.

VANNI:

I think Daprima's very wise.

MEZ:

Yeah, well it’s different for you. I can’t talk to her either.

She's too busy telling me what to do. She still thinks I’m ten. 

MEZ:

Yeah, that’s what worries me.

Later ...

VANNI:

Hello Noli.

NOLI:

Grace said you leaving me. Why?

VANNI:

I told you. Syrrah and I are going to her realm 

for a visit. We'll be back before you know it.

NOLI:

Who’s gonna read me my stories?

VANNI:

Mez.

NOLI:

Mez? You mean that Mez?

VANNI:

That’s right.

NOLI:
You sure 

MEZ:

What do you mean that Mez? You act as if I’ve 

never read you a story before.

NOLI:

You never have.

VANNI:

Well that’s going to change. He’ll to read to you 

every night until I get back. OK?

NOLI:

We’ll see …

MEZ:

Every night?

VANNI:

Every night - like you agreed.

MEZ:

I did, didn’t I? OK. I sure hope this is a short trip.

VANNI:

See? It’s all settled.

NOLI:

Noli gonna miss Vanni.

VANNI:

I’ll miss you too. Now go get ready for bed. I’ll be in soon.