Sofia had brought Cedric into his tower and was mending his wounds.

"I'm really sorry about all this, Mr. See-dric. Its my fault I got you hurt; I was only trying to help you."

"Don't beat yourself up over this, Sofia; one thing I can't stand seeing a little girl feeling guilty for herself." said Cedric.

"I'm just glad that bed of roses broke your fall." said Sofia applying a cotton ball of iodine to Cedric's wounds, "So why ARE you afraid of clowns anyways?"

"I don't like talking about it."

"It might help just to get it off your chest, Mr. See-dric."

Cedric sighed, trying to recount his memories.

"It was my third birthday. My parents invited a clown over to entertain my party. His name was Nickelbottom. I didn't know what to make of him at first with that white face, red nose, and mischievous smile. He made a balloon dog for me and made it bark. Apparently the barking annoyed Nickelbottom, so he twisted the balloon dog's neck and it popped with red stuff flying out at me."

Sofia's eyes widened in shock.

"You know, looking back, I think it might've been strawberry jam." said Cedric pondering.

"But that's still a pretty mean trick to play on someone, especially at that age." Sofia replied.

"I think its best I just avoid clowns at all cost." sighed Cedric.

"Well there's no guarantee that you won't ever encounter another clown again, Mr. See-dric." said Sofia, "We need to find a way to help you get over your fears."

"I appreciate you want to help, Sofia, but as you can see your attempt didn't change me, so why would any other attempt work?"

"Its that kind of attitude that's making your problem worse, Mr. See-dric."

Sofia then took Cedric's hand and held it in hers.

"If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for me."

Cedric look back at the little princess looking back at him with big blue eyes. Then he looked at the purple amulet of Avalor around Sofia's neck. How could he say no to those eyes (or that amulet)?

"Alright, I'll try."

Sofia wrapped her arms around the sorcerer's neck.

"Thank you, Mr. See-dric."

Cedric was conflicted in wanting to wrap his arms around the little girl either to hug her back or steal her amulet, but his arms were too painful to do either, so he left it at that and let the little princess do all the hugging.

Please R&R.