Shady

"I mean, yeah. But that's once I'm a grown up."

"Yeah." Lia shrugged, unbothered. "Father keeps saying he's gonna make me the next Reputation but I think we all know it's going to be Rana. She's way smarter than me ...

Lia shrugged. "Maybe. I dunno."

“Mostly ones left to chance. I really like card games and the sort, but I play strategy games sometimes too because Rana says I need to get better at thinking ...

“Oh… I’m not very good at chess. I’m not good at anticipating next moves.”

“What’s that?”

“I LOVE games!” Lia said eagerly. “What sorts of games does she like? Do you think she’d play with me?”

“Very.” She nodded. “Is Dr. Sera, as well?”

“Not really. Rana’s scarcely left that place, though!”

Lia trailed after him like a lost puppy. “You said you’re going to get Dr. Sera a book?”

“Okay!” She perked up, grinning. “I don’t have anything going on; I’m happy to tag along!”

"Oh... uh... okay..." she hesitated, feeling very much like a baby giraffe; all legs, no brain.

"Uh... no." She shook her head, a bit too quick. "I... uh... I'm just wandering around... do you need any help?" she took a tentative step towards him. "I have ...

Oh... oh no. He stopped. Did she do something wrong? Or... uh... was she supposed to make conversation? "Um... lovely day, huh?" that was stupid. "May I ask what you're ...

"I'm doing well, thank you." She flashed a quick smile, hesitating again. Was he not intending to stop? Did that mean she should keep walking? She wished Father or Rana ...