"Stephanie!" The yelling of her name by three excited voices almost knocked Stephanie off her feet. She had shuffled through the front door, barely awake, intent on getting a snack for supper, then crawling into her bed. Now, she was trying to keep her balance from going backwards out the door! Two hands grabbed her arms, pulled her in, and steadied her on her feet.
"Thanks, Uncle Milford," Stephanie said as she smiled tiredly. "And Sportacus?" Stephanie looked surprised and confused that Sportacus was there. She closed the door behind her. Then she really looked around her.
Sportacus stood smiling at her. Uncle Milford was smiling and dressed up in a tuxedo. And Bessie was there, too. She was smiling and dressed up in a sparkly, party dress. Stephanie looked at them and cocked her head to one side. She frowned as if trying to figure out what was going on. She looked at her Uncle Milford again, and he cleared his throat.
"Stephanie, I have something to tell you." The Mayor explained to Stephanie what was going on, apologized for not finding her earlier to explain, kissed her goodbye, and escorted Bessie out the door. "Have a good weekend, Stephanie!" The Mayor closed the door behind him with a firm, click.
Stephanie had been staring at her Uncle Milford as he explained everything. Now that he and Bessie were gone, she still stood staring at the closed door. She wondered for a moment if she had fallen asleep and was dreaming.
Sportacus stood watching Stephanie, watching the door. He felt a little nervous. Now that Mayor Meanswell and Bessie were gone, he wasn't quite sure what to do. Or more importantly, what Stephanie would do.
Stephanie was brave little girl. She had travelled by herself to visit her Uncle, here, in Lazy Town. She didn't usually cry or scare easily, as far as Sportacus knew. But, she was still a little girl, and her Uncle had just left very suddenly. And, she was still staring at the door.
"Well, Stephanie. So, what would you like to do? I'll help, if you want me too." Sportacus smiled at Stephanie, a little unsure of what might happen next, but he wanted to get her mind off her Uncle and Bessie leaving. Maybe they could play a game or read a book. Maybe they could turn on some music and dance. Stephanie slowly turned around and gave Sportacus her small, tired smile. He was still waiting for Stephanie to say what she wanted. Finally, she did.
"Please, put me to bed."