Hoppy's father expression shifted from pride to a look of mild, growing confusion. He scratched the back of his neck, his brow furrowing as he processed Maddy's words.
"Drawing monsters? Recipes? My daughter wouldn't touch a monster part if her life depended on it. She's terrified of them! I think there's been a mistake… My daughter has always been about her scales and her choir practice. She's never mentioned anything about... cooking creatures."
The relief that had settled over Maddy vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, sinking weight in her stomach. She stared at the man, the realization hitting her.
"Wait, your daughter... do you have another one? I mean, Hoppy was clearly very brave and loved monsters—"
The color drained from the father's face, and he looked at her with visible horror at the mention of that name.
"H-hoppy… M-Miss, I don't know who you've been talking to, but my daughter's name is Holly—"
