Zara nodded. “Yeah, I do. But be careful. He wants to go back and I’m afraid this one will break your heart.”
As she walked down to the camper van, Daisy’s mind was racing. She turned to Callan, who was waiting by the van with Frankie.
“Ready to explore more of this wondrous city?” he asked, smiling.
Daisy nodded, her heart full of newfound certainty. “Yeah, let’s go. By the way. I believe you. About everything.”
Callan’s expression softened, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief. “Thank ye, lass.”
The sun was high in the sky as Daisy, Callan, and Frankie set off from Zara’s apartment to explore the city. The streets bustled with activity, and the atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation for the 4th of July celebrations later that evening.
Their first stop was Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence had been signed. The building’s red-brick facade and tall steeple stood proudly against the blue sky.
They joined a guided tour, and Callan listened intently as the guide recounted the events of July 1776.
Next, they visited the Liberty Bell. The bell’s iconic crack and storied past captivated Callan.
“Why keep a broken bell?” he asked, his brow furrowed.
“It’s a symbol of freedom,” Daisy explained. “Even though it’s cracked, it still represents the strength and endurance of the American people.”
Hungry from all the walking, they made their way to Reading Terminal Market, a bustling food hall filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to mouthwatering cheesesteaks.
“Ready to try a Philly cheesesteak?” Daisy asked.
“Aye, I’ve been looking forward to it,” Callan replied, patting his nonexistent belly.
They found a vendor known for their cheesesteaks and ordered a couple of sandwiches. As they sat down to eat, the rich aroma of grilled steak, melted cheese, and onions wafted through the air.
Frankie ate the meat sans bun and cheese, then drank a bowl of water. The vendor had a stack of bowls for people who brought their dogs along.
Callan took a bite, eyes lighting up. “Delicious. I think I will have another.”
Daisy laughed, pleased to see him enjoying the local cuisine. “I’m glad you like it. Philly does food right.”
Afterwards, they strolled along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, lined with flags from around the world. The pathway led them to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its iconic “Rocky Steps.”
“Feel like doing the Rocky run?” Daisy teased, nodding towards the steps.
She had to explain Rocky, and then he nodded. “If ye wish it, but I will beat you to the top. My legs are longer.” He winked at her. “Yours are more fetching, but ye will lose, lass.”
“If I win, you do laundry for the rest of the trip.”
He pretended to think about it. “If I win the wager, you will not leave dishes in the sink for the rest of the trip.”
“Ouch.” She pretended to tie the laces on her sneakers, then jumped up and yelled, “Go!”
They raced up the steps, Callan beating her by a mile. At the top, they turned to take in the stunning view of the city skyline.
“Guess I’ll be doing the dishes.” She leaned over, hands on her knees, breathing heavily.
They made their way to Penn’s Landing, where crowds had gathered along the Delaware River for the festivities.
The sun set, casting a golden glow over the water as a live concert began. Music filled the air, and people danced and sang along, enjoying the festivities.
Callan looked around, taking it all in. “This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. So many people, even more than a clan gathering.”
“Just wait until the fireworks start. It’s going to be amazing.”
