The three dots appeared almost instantly after Elara sent her message to Kael. It was as if he was always waiting, always ready to listen. That thought, instead of feeling strange, brought a comforting warmth to her chest.
Kael_Writes: Tell me everything. Did the little seed crack the concrete? Did the sparkle shine through?
Elara smiled, a real, unforced smile that reached her eyes. She started typing, pouring out the details of her Marketing presentation. How nervous she was, how her voice had surprised her, the green leaf on her laptop, Professor Davies's praise, even the unexpected claps. She left out her mom's call, not wanting to dim the small victory she felt.
Elara_Dreams: I don't know how, Kael. It was like... something just clicked. And then, there was this tiny green leaf on my laptop. It was just there. And then it was gone. You know, like you said, 'luck'.
She waited, holding her breath. This was the part where he usually gave a mysterious answer.
Kael_Writes: Ah, the whispers of the forest finding their way to you. Those little threads are everywhere, Elara. Sometimes they just need a bit of a pull to bring what you need closer. You just need to be open to seeing them.
Elara frowned at the screen. Whispers of the forest? Threads? It sounded like something out of a fantasy book, not a chat with an online friend. Yet, a part of her wondered. Those tiny coincidences, the unexpected good things that seemed to happen after Kael talked about "luck"... it was more than just a feeling.
Elara_Dreams: So, you're saying... you had something to do with the leaf? And my presentation? Are you some kind of wizard, Kael? LOL.
She added "LOL" quickly, trying to make it sound like a joke. She knew he wasn't a wizard, of course. This was the modern world. But a small, secret part of her hoped he might be.
Kael_Writes: A wizard? Perhaps in seeing potential where others see only walls. I simply helped the universe notice what a bright light you truly are, Elara. You did the rest. You cracked the concrete.
His words made her feel warm all over. He always found a way to flip her doubts into strengths. He made her believe that the good things weren't just random, but something she deserved, something she caused.
She typed for a long time, telling him about her frustrations with her college major, how much she truly disliked it, and how she just wanted to model. Kael listened, as always, not judging, not telling her what she should do, but asking questions that made her think.
Kael_Writes: Your parents want what they believe is best. But only you know what truly sets your spirit alight. If modeling is your passion, Elara, then you must pursue it. The world needs to see all forms of beauty, not just one size or height.
Kael_Writes: Maybe the next 'thread' that appears for you won't be about a presentation. Maybe it will be about your modeling dream. Keep your eyes open. Opportunity often wears disguise.
Elara put her phone down, a new kind of energy buzzing through her. She felt like Kael had just given her permission to truly chase her dream, even against her parents' wishes, even against the world's doubts. Opportunity often wears disguise. What did that mean for her?
She looked around her small dorm room. It felt less like a prison and more like a launching pad now. The faint scent of rain from outside drifted in, cool and fresh, carrying with it a faint, earthy smell, like wet leaves and damp soil. It was strange, because her window was closed. A whisper, perhaps, from Kael's forest.