The stranger fits their hand into the skull’s jaw and extends their fingers, working the skull as though it is a sock puppet. The bone clacks hollowly against itself as the mouth opens and closes playfully.
Voice: Very well indeed! Muaha ha ha ha ha
Pavel turns away from Eddy, still in the pool, and raises his eyebrows at the skull. He doesn’t seem all that surprised to hear it talking.
Pavel: Charlie? Why do you sound like…
A woman’s head pops up in the widow’s alcove. She has a dark skin tone and warm brown eyes, with fluffy black hair and golden triangle earrings. She rests a hand on the skull and grins down at the boy in the pool.
Voice: So you named him Charlie, did you? He DOES look like a Charlie.
Pavel: MOM!
Pavel launches out of the pool and up into Vanna Morena’s already open arms. A great wave of water splashes up with him, soaking his mother’s clothes- a white robe with bright yellow triangles lining the sleeve hems and neck line, and a yellow and brown wrap for her legs, also decorated with triangles. It’s clearly a joyous reunion.
Pavel: What are you doing here?! I wasn’t supposed to see you until New Year’s! Also sorry for getting you wet!
She reaches out and ruffles her son’s hair, gazing down at him fondly. Pavel drips water onto the stone floor, eyes only for his mother.
Vanna: Ah, but it’s your favorite holiday! How could I NOT drop by? And it’s fine. I’m used to you barely ever being dry…
Eddy stays in bed, not even glancing away from his book. Vanna raises a hand in a tentative wave.
Vanna: Hiya, Eddy. You keeping him out of trouble?
Eddy: Nope.
Vanna blinks and then shoots him a thumbs up and an awkward smile.
Vanna: Okay then. Good talk.
