She began to wonder if her mother had cleaned house as an adult. Childhood had been adventurous. Her father would take her to the park or out to play somewhere when he was alive. Although they had to change clothes and get cleaned off before going inside. When her father came back, often it was the nanny he trailed after when she went on an outing.
She smiled, recalling the first time she had a food fight with her father, picking up handfuls of spaghetti and hurling them at each other. Her mother looked like she was the one who would be having the heart attack.
She heard her mother tutting at Samuel. Then a "Samuel, no!" She watched the little black Scottie dog scurry through the living room and around the corner, tearing through the dining room. A loud crash. Then more scampering footfalls as Samuel darted back outside to his gardening.
Her mother came in, sighing. She sat down, refilled her wine glass.
"Bit of a rascal that one." Her mother chuckled.
She laughed. Samuel was good for her mother, they off set the other very well. "What if a cape could help me fly?"
Her mother looked puzzled.
"You said no capes, but what if the cape helped me fly."
Her mother still looked puzzled. She took a sip of wine and her eyes glowed slightly. "Like when you were a little girl and you put on the towel or bed sheet and ran around yelling about flying?"
"Yes, but using thermodynamic  principles. Like with hot air balloons."
Her mother nodded. "What about propulsion?"
She smiled. "I love you, mom."
Her mother smiled back, "Thank you, sweetie."
They both turned when they heard the back door rattle and in burst Samuel running like something was chasing him. A shadow passed across the window and disappeared.
"What was that?" Her mother asked.
She looked down, Samuel was huddled behind her legs trembling. "Whatever it was, Samuel is terrified of it."
"Super villains?"
She shook her head. "Haven't heard of anything. It would stand to reason though. Sort of need that balance right, the yin to my yang."
"Anyone stepped forward?"
She shook her head.
"What do you think he or she will be able to do?"
She laughed. "Let's not speculate."
"Are you worries it could be someone ruthless like a Joker or Magento?"
"Catching up on your super villains?"
Her mother smiled. "A mom has to learn these things with a daughter who's a superhero."
"Not a superhero."
"Oh?" Her mother seemed slightly saddened by this.