Question

Ella sat next to her father while Tiffany played her music.

"Father," she asked, "You've done a lot of traveling as part of your duties. Have you ever seen anything...unusual?"

Herman looked at her quizzically. "I suppose I have, but it would depend on what you mean by 'unusual'. Is there something on your mind?"

Ella shook her head. "No, not really. I was just thinking...you used to tell us so many stories when we were younger about elves and dragons and demons. I know now that they're not true, but I can't help but wonder if some of those creatures really exist."

Herman laughed. "Oh my dear girl, I've seen some things that would be unusual by our standards. Men who pierces their bodies. Women who hide themselves from sight. But elves and dragons? No, nothing of the sort. I will admit, though, that they do make for good stories to scare yourself with when you're camping in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees and darkness."

"I know, it's silly. I'm not even sure why I brought it up."

"Oh what are you bothering Daddy with now, Ella?" Tiffany sat on Herman's lap. Ella sometimes had a hard time believing they were the same age.

"She wasn't bothering me at all, darling," Herman said, putting his arms around her. "Neither of you are ever a bother. But why don't you tell me what you two have been up to while I've been gone? I need to catch up while I have the chance."

"You're not leaving again soon, are you father?" Ella asked.

"Not that I know of, but you know how my work is. I go where I get told to go, and sometimes it simply can't wait."