PROJECT: WONDERLAND

11. VAL

Shifting from Roland's location in New York to Oklahoma in the early morning, around 8 or 9 a.m.,

Val, now 32 years old and known as Valentina Rosewood, is at a kindergarten with her two children. Her last name, Rosewood, comes from her husband Mike Rosewood, who is 38 years old.

Val is cheering for her daughter Tanya (4 years old) as she plays with a ball.

Val: "Goal! Nice shot, sweetheart!"

Known as a "silence assassin," Val also excels in her role as a nurturing mother.

While chatting with other moms, her phone rings.

It's General Anthony Caldwell calling. Val excuses herself from her conversation.

Val: "Yes, sir?" She glances at the classroom where her son Reagan (6 years old) is still in class. Their break times are staggered by an hour, so the bell will ring soon.

Anthony: "Sorry to bother you, Lieutenant. I know this isn't the best time for you." He acknowledges that despite Val's official position, she still has her duties as a mother.

Val: "It's okay, sir. I'll try my best." Val is ready and understands the gravity of the situation.

Anthony: "I appreciate your dedication. We're at a critical point now."

Val furrows her brow: "Understood, sir."

The break bell rings. Reagan exits for his break, and it's time for Tanya to go back to class before heading home.

Val gathers her two children in her arms: "How was school today?" She asks Reagan.

Reagan: "It was good, Mom. I got 8 out of 10 on my math test."

Val: "Great job! And Tanya, I'm sure you'll be the best ball thrower in the world someday." Tanya giggles in response.

Val: "Listen, Momm has to go now. Something urgent has come up."

Reagan and Tanya look disappointed: "Aww!"

Reagan: "But we were going to continue building the Lego set we started, right Mom?"

Tanya: "Yeah, and you promised to help me with my drawing, Mom."

Val: "Oh, my kids, we'll continue another time. Or we can play something else."

Reagan: "Like video games?"

Tanya: "Yes, or hide and seek!"

Val: "Yes, got it! I'll see you later." She gives them two kisses on the forehead.

Val: "Dad will pick you up later, okay?" They both nod in agreement.

Val: "Alright, Mom's going now." She hugs and kisses them. "Take care!"

Reagan and Tanya: "Bye, Mom!" They return the smiles and kisses.

Val gets into her car, sets the destination on the map, and heads toward West Virginia, where the SIF headquarters is located. She switches to autopilot as she calls her husband Mike, who works in an office.

Mike's phone rings, and he answers: "Hey, sweetheart, what's up?"

Val: "Honey, I have to go. This news is really frustrating. It's messing up our family time."

Mike: "Yeah, I understand, Babe. Stay safe. I'll take care of picking up the kids."

Val: "Are you sure it's okay? I'm interrupting your work."

Mike: "Of course it's fine. Stay safe."

Val: "Okay, I love you."

Mike: "Love you too."

The call ends, and Val continues on her way to her destination.

To be continued...