A few people called out “Yes,” but Sydney wasn’t having it. She yelled louder. “I asked thee, are you ready?”
Nearly the whole graveyard answered back, “Yes!”
That was my cue. I reached in and took out my pocketknife. After a quick glance around, I worked it around the brick as Sydney kept talking.
Jesus, this really is a scene straight out of a damn movie.
“I have been accused of witchcraft because I apparently can assume the form of a… blue boar!”
I could hear laughter.
“’Tis true! Doth thou not believe me?” Sydney cried out.
“What other animal can you change into?” a male voice called out.
The brick moved some, and I quickly worked it free.
Sydney lowered her voice. “Oh, we have a wise one among us, do we?”
The crowd in the graveyard chuckled.
I pulled the brick out and looked into the space.
Nothing.
“Shit, she’s going to kill me.”
Then I remembered her Nicolas Cage reference, and I turned the brick over. Stuffed inside it was a piece of paper. I quickly pulled it out and pushed the brick back into its space.
“You’re not the only one who can find things, Nic.”
People were now yelling out different animals.
Smiling at everyone gathered around her, I walked up and said, “We need to go.”
Sydney gently pushed me away and whispered, “I’m in character.”
Laughter erupted.
With my hands held up, I shouted, “I’m her drama teacher. This was an impromptu performance. How did she do, folks?”
“I hope you give her an A!” a little girl called out. A few others agreed and stated Sydney deserved an A.
With a smile, I replied, “Then an A she shall get!”
Everyone cheered. Some came up to Sydney and told her to keep working at her craft. A few wished her well. One woman asked if she was doing any plays because she would like to attend. Most walked away.
By the time everyone had moved on, Sydney had a huge smile on her face. She turned to face me, and my heart stalled for a moment in my chest. Those big blue eyes of hers were filled with delight. I loved that she was able to see the joys in life. She was unlike any woman I had ever met.