[she's not so good with kids, but if he's going to be here without adult supervision she feels like it's a good idea to intervene. Whoever his parents are, she wonders if it'd be justified to give them a bitchfest for leaving him unattended]
What's a kid like you doing running around out here by yourself?
[Charlie ain't the kind to just run off. Especially if there's another grown-up to help. Dad always says never talk to strangers but when you're lost; desperate times call for desperate rule-bending measures.]
I'm looking for my dad. Have you seen him? He's really tall with brown hair.
[Anne sighs, running a hand over her hair and approaching Charlie carefully, not wanting to freak him out with any sudden movements Oh god. Lost kid. She just looks at him for a moment, trying to process how to speak to him without being harsh or impatient like she's had the tendency to lately... and usually, but who's counting that?]
'Fraid you're gonna have to be more specific. Do you know your dad's name? Do you know his phone number?
[she has no idea how to talk to kids. It comes out sounding more like she's talking to a fellow CO or something]
[oh god. That hits her like a ton of bricks. It's a long shot, obviously, but how common is a name like Murphy in this day and age? Not very. And his dad is tall... has brown hair. And this kid does look an awful lot like Murphy... no. That's just silly. Still, it can't hurt to ask, just in case. Not that Murphy is ever easy to track down so she doesn't know how much good knowing whether it's him will end up being]
Yeah, that helps. Murphy Pendleton? Is that your dad's name?
1/4
[N-NO...
[IS THIS THE REAL LIFE?]
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...Charlie?
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Yeah, I'm fine, Charlie. [Completely, undeniably and healthfully fine.]
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You don't look like it.
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[Come here, son. Murphy's giving you the biggest dad-hug ever, because otherwise he's just going to. Lose it. Fuck.]
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Haha daaaad- you're squeezing me too tight! I can't breath!
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Sorry... I'm sorry. [It takes every bit of willpower to try and ease off, even marginally so.]
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[You mad whack, Dad. You're just makin' him drown in curiosity.]
Hey dad! Can we go fly the kite again? It's not supposed to rain today.
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Yeah... Let's go do that.
[sob]
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Are you from South Ashford?
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[N O P E]
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N-No, not the lake. It's not... No. How... How about we go someplace nice...? Like the park? You wanna go to the park?
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[Welp, he tried! Whatever, parks are cool too.]
Okay! Only if you promise me you'll take me to the swings.
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No. That's where my mom lives. South Ashfield.
The Wish House is teaching me for her.
[ The light in his eyes flickers between the mention of his mother and the Wish House. One on, one off. ]
Are you just new? I haven't seen you.
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Of course, Charlie. Anything you want... you name it. It's your day.
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Thanks Dad! You're the best!
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/just dies <3
What's a kid like you doing running around out here by yourself?
i am going to h-e-l-l
I'm looking for my dad. Have you seen him? He's really tall with brown hair.
I'm coming with you lol
'Fraid you're gonna have to be more specific. Do you know your dad's name? Do you know his phone number?
[she has no idea how to talk to kids. It comes out sounding more like she's talking to a fellow CO or something]
Wooooo!
[He sticks a hand inside his jacket pocket. There's nothing there of course besides a couple of crumpled gum wraps and a rubber band.]
I can't remember the number...B-But his name is Murphy! Does that help?
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Yeah, that helps. Murphy Pendleton? Is that your dad's name?