"I can't help it…" Karl said with a sniff, holding Milo's arm tighter like a child begging for protection. "Fifteen words, Milo! She gave me fifteen whole words! Do you know how many that is?"
"Um… fifteen?" Milo blinked innocently.
"Exactly!" Karl cried like he had just revealed a national tragedy. "She gave me fifteen words and a broken spirit!"
Milo, completely overwhelmed, offered weakly, "I… I can help you write them if you want?"
Karl looked up instantly, teary eyes sparkling like stars. "Really?? Would you save me like that??"
Milo nodded like a scared puppy.
"Alright! I've put the pen and book on the sofa… please, Milo, write in my handwriting," Karl said with sparkly eyes, already imagining his flawless escape.
"…Okay… but, Brother Karl, where are you going?" Milo asked, looking suspiciously at him.
