Cassie: Charlie, you were absolutely fabulous in the concert today. Great drum work, my man!

Charlie: Thanks! I couldn’t see because my back was to you….did you get all tearful?

Cassie: Of course.

Charlie: From drums?

Cassie: Yea. Because it was you…and Ruby’s singing solo got me going… but then I got into the beat – your beat – and taking pictures. I was able to pull it together.

Charlie: I can see how her singing could make you cry. Ruby was good. Really good. But she’s not your daughter.

Cassie: I know. She’s like family, though. And can I just tell you? It was like seeing Lauri Hornik up there…from when I was a kid…singing in a concert where she’d have this brave and beautiful solo. Lauri was always a star. Clearly Ruby’s following in her mother’s footsteps. It took me back, so I got teary-eyed.

Charlie: Oh brother.

Cassie: I know, but what can you do?

Charlie: I think maybe you love people too much.

Cassie: You are not the first person to say that to me. (Pause) I really believe, though, that the more people you love and connect with…the more you actually wear love on your outer self, the happier you are in life. That’s what I think. You know what else I think?

Charlie: (sighing) What?

Cassie: I think you have that exact same quality. You really are a lover of people, Charlie. You just connect with any one….ANY ONE. I’ve seen it over and over again. It’s definitely one of the things that I’m most proud of when I watch you in action…aside from your many other talents, of course, like guitar and drawing and drums. Charlie, you have superior people talent.

Charlie: (scrunching up his eyebrows as though he’s not sure) I’m like you about people? You mean I’m outgoing?

Cassie: Yes. You’re maybe a little like me about people. And you are DEFINITELY outgoing.

Charlie: But I don’t cry about singing or drumming.

Cassie: That’s right. You have your own style.

Charlie: I know! Thank God! Pffft.