Dorothy strolled out of the restaurant, hand in hand. Dorothy, intrigued, couldn't help but ask, "How are you so powerful?"
I responded proudly, "I am built differently," relishing in the newfound strength.
Suddenly, the air buzzed, and a hand descended from the heavens, landing playfully at the back of my head. I feigned terror, looking at Dorothy with mock dismay, and exclaimed, "Why!?" Dorothy burst into laughter, teasing, "Yeah, you're built like a monkey, that's why. Now, tell me the truth."
Embarrassed, I confessed, "I've started going to the gym. What do you expect?" Dorothy, undeterred, remarked, "Oh... but I don't see any changes in you. You still look like your old, chubby self," pinching my cheek.
My patience waned, and I seized her arm, retorting, "Oh, now you've done it," and commenced tickling her. Amidst her laughter, she pleaded, "Stop... stop," conceding defeat. I released her, and we continued chatting as we walked.
Suddenly, I changed the topic, asking, "Why were you not answering the phone calls this week?" Dorothy glanced at me, saying, "I don't know, maybe I didn't check my phone, duh." I chuckled lightly, responding, "Really, Dorothy? That's the best excuse you can come up with. I've known you since college; if you misplace or lose your phone, you go berserk."
Continuing, I said, "You know very well that I can catch you lying even with my eyes closed." Dorothy hesitated before finally revealing, "Actually, you already know that my father works at the Sterling Technology Company in the Sutherland district of Somerland. He worked on a large project scheduled to launch in 2025, but something happened. My father was accused of sabotaging the project and was framed. The one who framed my father is John Mitly. He's one of Don Albert's lapdogs and works at Sterling Technology as the project supervisor."
"Don Albert's lapdog, you say?" Dorothy looked at me, realisation dawning. "Don't you dare!"
I laughed and retrieved the card Albert had left behind. Dialling his number, I called him. Don Albert, surprised, answered, "Hello, who the hell calls me at this time?"
Coldly, I said, "You've become bold, haven't you, Albert?" Frozen in fear, Albert stammered, "S-sir Danial, you called me. I mean, I'm at your service."
I continued, "Let's meet and talk, Albert. I have many questions for you." Trembling, Albert promised to fulfil any order.
"Meet me at the park; then, we'll talk." I hung up the phone, turned to Dorothy with a smile, and said, "Let's go meet him. He might help you solve the problem." Dorothy waved her hand and responded, "You don't have to do it, Danial."
I kept silent, took her hand, and headed towards the park.