18.

I blink dazedly at the ceiling of my room. The day went by a blur and I wanted nothing to do with my thoughts. A knock came at my door. I didn't reply. The sound of the door opens and Manny steps through. He closes the door behind him.

"Little Missy, want to talk to me about something?" He asks gently.

"Like what?" I mumbled somberly.

"Anything, really. You know I'm willing to listen."

After considering it for a moment or two, I decided to tell everything that happened. Not used to sharing like this I clumsily made my way through the explanation of the situation.

Manny listened to all of it without interrupting. After I finished, he was quiet for a few minutes before he finally spoke up.

"Sounds like being friends with Ms. Quinn wouldn't hurt, why not give it a go?"

"I-I don't know..." I sighed. "I want to...but...I don't know how..."

Manny hummed thoughtfully.

"Just ask if you can be friends, sound easy enough?"

"Yeah, thanks Manny," I smiled slightly, feeling slightly better.

Afterwards, we continued to talk about little things and he listened to everything I had to say. It reminded me of some books I read where the protagonist has a caring and loving father. Is this what's it's like? To have someone actually listen to what you have to say? And offer advice?

I began to get sleepy so I asked Manny to stay until I fell asleep.

"Of course, Little Missy," He smiled gently.