Friends and "Friends"

The way her daughter's face lit up actually broke Syl's heart.

“Are we gonna see Papa?” Faith asked, excitedly.

Syl sighed, “No, love, sorry. We're not gonna see Papa this time.” She wasn't even sure where the girl's father was at the moment.

“Aww... If we're not gonna see Papa, why are we goin' to Nu'york then?” Pouting with disappointment, the girl kicked her feet impatiently as she sat on the edge of the bed. She really couldn't imagine any other reason to visit the American city, much less understand the utter contempt and bitterness her mother held for the city she reluctantly called their 'home'.

Her mother packed the last of their bags and put their luggage by the door. “There's a... friend... I'd like to visit before we go on vacation in Rio.”

“Okay,” Faith chirped merrily, completely oblivious, as she hopped off the bed and grabbed her little child-sized backpack. “I hope my friends are there too. I wanna play with Ryan and Aaron again. They're so fun.”