The Four-Steps Affair
Each agent was lost in thought as they watched Miki's flight take off. When they could no longer see the plane, Napoleon sighed.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say reincarnation actually exists. Miki is quite mature and wise for his years."
"Indeed," agreed Illya. "He is a fast learner as well as brave."
"When I was 10, I was busy with school and scrap metal drives and helping my grandmother bake cookies for the USO. You?"
The uncomfortable silence that followed made Napoleon regret asking the question.
Finally, Illya responded, "I was … surviving."
"And I'm very pleased you did."
[100 words]
