Julian's POV
Three days had passed since I had given the little girl a ride home. Even now, I found myself thinking about her—about how curious and confident she had been despite the rain soaking her clothes and the way she had fidgeted with that company card. She had only mentioned a little about her sister, so I knew almost nothing about her. Yet her excitement, intelligence, and openness had left a quiet impression on me.
I had been organizing some reports at my desk, but my thoughts kept drifting to that day. Children rarely fascinated me—not in this way. There was something genuine in her energy, a mix of innocence and confidence that made me take notice.
Clara's POV
I held Emily's phone tightly, my fingers curling around it as I stared at the number on the card. Today, I had decided I would call. My heart raced. What if I said the wrong thing? What if he didn't want to talk to me?
I took a deep breath and pressed the call button. The line rang once, twice… then a voice.
"Hello?"
I froze for a second. The voice sounded serious, very grown-up, almost strict. But I swallowed my nervousness and said politely, "Hi… um… I'm Clara. I… I found your card."
Ryan's POV
I glanced at the caller ID and frowned slightly. The number didn't match anyone I was expecting. I answered sharply. "Hello, this is Ryan."
A child's voice—small, careful, polite—filled the line. My tone softened instantly. "Oh? And who am I speaking with?"
"I'm Clara, Julian's friend," she said. "You must be Julian's Boss right?" Her excitement bubbled through, clear even in her careful words.
I adjusted my chair… She sounded so peaceful… I couldn't help but chat with her a little before calling and motioned for Julian to join the call, though he stayed quiet as I continued. "Well, Clara… it's very nice to hear from you. Let's see what we can do, okay?"
Julian's POV
I leaned over, listening quietly. She was smart, perceptive, and curious. Her questions were thoughtful, and she spoke with a confidence most children her age didn't have. I realized that my role here was simple: observe, guide if needed, but let her enthusiasm lead the way.
Ryan, ever the professional, had softened instantly when he realized he was speaking to a child. His patience was impressive, and Clara responded beautifully—her excitement clear but contained, her intelligence shining through.
Clara's POV
Julian's presence on the line made me feel braver. I told them about the bookstore—how the light fell softly on the shelves, the smell of the pages, and the little corner where I had found a book I loved. I could hear Julian asking questions, and Ryan laughing softly, making me feel safe and important.
I talked and talked, almost forgetting I was speaking to two grown-ups, but they listened. They really listened.
Ryan's POV
I leaned back slightly, impressed by how Clara articulated herself. She was bold yet polite, excited yet careful. I allowed her to share her little adventure, and Julian chimed in only occasionally, letting her lead the conversation.
After a few minutes, I smiled and said, "Clara, you've been wonderful. Keep enjoying that bookstore. You have a good eye for details, and I can tell you're curious about everything."
Julian's POV
As the call ended, I sat back, quietly impressed. Clara had handled herself beautifully. She had left a lasting impression on both Ryan and me. There was potential here—a curious, bright, and thoughtful child who seemed unafraid to explore her little world.
Clara's POV
I hung up the phone, my cheeks tingling, and grinned. That was amazing! They had listened. They had actually listened! My excitement bubbled inside me as I thought about the bookstore and how much I wanted to tell Emily.