This is a companion piece for my post “Why Writers Should Show AND Tell”.

(Night on the train. Low, rhythmic clatter of wheels. Moonlight peeks in through the window of the compartment. Silas sits on the bed, his back against the wall of the car. His eyes are closed, taking in the silence.)

(Take a minute to hint at why Silas is on the train in the first place. Mention that he hasn’t seen his friend since he was last in the capital — years ago by now. Silas wonders if the family will still recognize him. Or will they just see his golden eyes and make assumptions like everybody else does?)

(Kiki sits on the bedside table, restless. I need some way to note her significantly smaller size. Do have her legs swinging back and forth off the edge of the table to better indicate how she’s feeling. The silence is awkward for her, yet she’s nervous about how to say what she wants to say.)

Kiki: Hey, Silas. Um, about earlier — you know, back at the station. Um. L-look, I…

Silas: Don’t. Talking doesn’t help.

Kiki: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… I just… All I wanted…

Silas: Kiki, I know what you’re going to say. And thanks. Really. But — don’t worry about it.

Kiki: I can’t say I was surprised. From all I heard, I figured it was only a matter of time. But to actually watch it happen… You sure you’re alright?

Silas: Yeah. I’m used to it.

(That hits Kiki in the heart. She recalls the station master’s words.)

Kiki: (thinking) Nobody should ever have to get used to that. (Aloud) You’re awfully brave, you know. The capital of all places. I bet a lot of Lijani wouldn’t dare go there.

Silas: I’m not doing this for myself.

(Silas’ friend Raj who fell dangerously ill. A friend he was forced to leave behind years ago.)

Kiki: Well, I guess that settles it. Yes. This proves it all — no doubt about it.

Silas: Proves what?

Kiki: That you’re a good friend, which proves you’re also a good man.

Silas: (confused) Didn’t you say that all fairies are excellent judges of character? That you can read someone instantly?

(Kiki flaps her wings in surprise. She hovers in the air for a second or two as she collects herself. She lands back on the table before speaking again.)

Kiki: Well, a read isn’t the full picture, you see. Sometimes, a fairy will say what they need to stick with a person. Spend time with them. Get to know them. Observe how they react in different situations. Then, we can confirm what we saw from the start.

(Silas doesn’t reply.)

Kiki: That’s right. I was testing you.

Silas: (laughs) Testing me?

Kiki: I was waiting for just the right moment to dig into you. But as luck would have it, we walked right into the perfect scenario. All I had to do was watch. And I am pleased to announce that you passed with flying colors. So? How does it feel?

Silas: Like you’re just making all of this up.

Kiki: I am not! I’m serious! I honestly was.

Silas: (chuckles) Sure, sure. Whatever you say.

(Silas lies down on his side, facing the wall.)

Kiki: What kind of answer is that?

Silas: Good night.

(Kiki makes frustrated noises. There is so much he has left to learn about fairies.)

(Kiki flies over to Silas’ coat hanging on the doorknob on the opposite side of the compartment. She slides into one of the pockets, wedging herself between a pair of gloves for warmth.)