Vanna: SURPRISE! Oh it was so hard keeping it a secret!
Vanna waves the tickets around, grinning.
Vanna: Do you love me, or do you LOVE me?
Pavel reaches back and rubs at his neck, nervously.
Pavel: Mom… I love you, but come on. There’s no way they’d let me go.
Voice: Unfortunately, an exception has been made.
The Abbess pokes her head into the room from out in the hall, smiling sweetly.
Abbess: Your mother petitioned the Cardinal to let you out for the day, and… For some STRANGE reason, he agreed.
Her expression sours and she glares at the two of them, unimpressed.
Abbess: Why he keeps giving YOU TWO so much leeway, I’ll never know. Hello, Vanna.
Vanna: Hello, Sofia. Anyway! Where was I?
Vanna gives the Abbess a disapproving frown in return and then smiles down at Pavel, who watches on with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.
VANNA: The gates open at ten o’clock… Are you ready to head out?
Pavel: Yeah!
Vanna: Perfect! Oh- How about we bring your paddleboard? We can go out and watch the fireworks on the water!
Eddy slips quietly backward as Pavel regains his excitement, sadly watching the other boy pump his fists in the air. He turns away and climbs back into bed, which is when Pavel notices his shift in mood.
Abbess: Yes, yes. Pavel must be back by MIDNIGHT, Vanna. And please… cover his head for once.
Vanna: Only if it gets COLD out there, MA’AM.
