FRANCIS FOREVER, daredevil

2. karen page

I'm excited to write Karen and Francis.

NOW AT TWELVE, Fran was not mean, just 'firey' as Matt would say. Foggy said it was because of her hair and Francis would just shrug because Foggy also was strong with the face that she was a leprechaun.

"Fran! Wake up! School," Matt called from the kitchen as he poured himself a cup of coffee. His voice carried through the small apartment, but it wasn't met with the usual groan or sarcastic retort.

That's because Fran was already awake. She was curled up in bed, absorbed in her latest book about stars. She'd always had a fascination with space, finding comfort in the vastness of the universe and the stories hidden within it. She turned a page, completely ignoring her dad's call.

"Fran!" Matt's voice came again, this time with a hint of impatience. "Come on, you're going to be late."

Fran sighed, reluctantly closing her book and slipping out of bed. She padded to the door and stuck her head out, her red hair messy from sleep. "Do I have to go?" she asked, her voice laced with the familiar whine she knew annoyed him.

"Yes, you have to go," Matt said firmly, turning in her direction. "Why wouldn't you?"

"Because school is boring, and I'm already ahead in my classes," Fran replied, leaning against the doorframe. "Plus, I'd rather stay home and read. I'm at the part where they talk about black holes."

Matt suppressed a smile. "Fran, you know the rules. School isn't optional. You can read all you want after you get home."

Fran's eyes lit up with mischief as she thought of another tactic. "But Dad, I won't learn anything new today. It's just the same old stuff. Why not let me skip just this once? I promise I'll read two books to make up for it."

Matt crossed his arms, trying to stay firm. He knew Fran was smart—too smart, sometimes—and she had a way of twisting things to suit her needs. But skipping school wasn't an option. "Nice try," he said, "but you're still going."

Fran's face fell into a pout. "Dad, please? I really, really don't want to go. Can't I just stay home? You're not gonna be here anyway, right? I'll be good, I swear."

Matt shook his head. "No way. You know I'm meeting with a real estate agent today. Foggy and I need to check out a space for the firm."

"But I'll be so bored!" Fran protested. "It's not like I can do anything fun without you here anyway."

Matt sighed, sensing this was going to be a battle. "Fran, school is important. You need to go. End of discussion, no come on, I'm running late."

Fran, however, wasn't one to give up easily. She pushed off the doorframe and walked closer to him. "But what if I came with you?" she suggested, her voice taking on a persuasive tone. "You wouldn't have to worry about me being here alone, and I could see the new office. Maybe I could help you guys pick it out."

Matt hesitated. Taking Fran with him wasn't exactly part of the plan, but he knew that if he didn't give her something, this argument could drag on all morning. And the truth was, he didn't like the idea of leaving her home alone either, even if she was mature for her age. Still, he needed her to understand that she couldn't just skip school whenever she wanted.

"Fran," he said slowly, "if I let you come with me, you have to promise me something."

She perked up immediately. "Anything."

"You have to be on your very best behavior," Matt said, his tone serious. "No running around, no interrupting, and no smart remarks. This is important, okay? Foggy and I need to focus, and I can't have you causing trouble."