Talk to her

"Certainly," you answer, opening the door and gesturing, curious about the girl's request and by the signs of her distress. She bites her lip then gives you a slightly shaky smile before stepping into the cottage.

"I don't really know my way around," you say. "Why don't you take a seat in the living room?" You gesture to one of the rooms opening off a short entrance hallway, and Valerie steps into the room, choosing to sit in an upholstered chair. You leave your case by the door, and take a seat at one end of the couch, looking expectantly at the girl.

"What can I do for you, Valerie?" you ask, putting a reassuring smile on your face.

"Well...I'm on the team....the softball team that is...and the soccer team too...at least I was....but Ms. Naylor...the headmistress? She's mad at me...and she told me that...that I can't play..." she starts to sob. "And I love to play...I really do...It's really really important to me.....and I was hoping....hoping that you...that you could talk to her....please sir...please can you speak to her?