Nia’s cab stops at a dead end, where a sidewalk to the left leads to the castle. After getting her bags from the trunk and seat, Nia thanks the driver, who tips his hat and drives off. Nia starts walking towards the castle underneath a canopy of palm trees and twittering birds. Nia takes no notice as she’s busy thinking to herself.

I hope Mr. Cash is alright. He’s my only true friend. Perhaps we’ll catch up and go sightseeing at the aquarium and… no, Nia, that’s not right. Stop being selfish. Mr. Cash doesn’t like that. He’s supporting me, so now it’s my turn to support him. He’s probably waiting for me at the castle door right now, sipping French lemonade and reading Dumas, maybe The Count of Monte Cristo, while swinging on a porch chair. I wonder what the butler is like. I don’t want to make them work for me; I’ll take care of my needs. Mr. Cash…

A sudden bump stops Nia in her tracks and makes her drop a bag. Nia looks up and sees what halted her path.

A tall, pensive-looking man smoking a cigarette stands in the middle of the sidewalk, seemingly waiting for her, or any of the guests, to come by. He wears dark sunglasses and has a bright orange ascot on his neck.  

That must be Flip, Nia thinks to herself. I must be careful around him.

“Hey, dummy,” he sneers, “Watch where you’re going.”

“I-I’m sorry, sir,” Nia whispers, picking up her bag.

“What are you doing here?” He asks.

Nia tries thinking of an excuse while ignoring her racing heart. “I’m going to meet my mother for coffee.” She bristles at the word ‘mother.’

“Why are you going this way?” Flip prods.

Nia looks away from his glaring gaze and says, “Sir, I don’t think it’s any of your business where I’m going or doing. Now I’m running late meeting my mother. I’m sorry for bumping into you.”

Nia quickly brushes past Flip, who stares after her, then walks away in annoyance.

Mr. Cash is right, Nia thinks to herself. Flip is a creep. I’ll watch out in case he comes again.

Nia makes sure she still has the letter and playing card in her purse, which they are, and she continues her walk towards the castle, still ignoring the singing birds and beautiful palm trees.