"I''m in Capital City right now. If I change the delivery address, when can I expect to receive the package?"


    "If it''s within the same city, you''ll usually get it pretty early-definitely by tomorrow morning at thetest."


    Timothy nced around the hospital room. She was still lying there, eyes closed. It was alreadyte. Even if he wanted to talk to Jessica, it would have to wait until tomorrow.


    "Alright, I''ll send you the new address. Please arrange it as soon as possible."


    Timothy forwarded the address of Jessica''s previous hotel to the store clerk, along with his own phone number.


    She''s injuries weren''t nearly bad enough to leave her unconscious.


    She just wanted to keep Timothy by her side a little longer, so she pretended to be asleep.


    She heard everything he said outside the room.


    So, the swan brooch he''d gotten wasn''t for her after all.


    She''d seen the news online.


    Timothy had bought up every limited-edition brooch from each state in the country. She''d thought he just didn''t want anyone to have the same one as her.


    But in truth, he didn''t want anyone to have the same one as Jessica.


    Weren''t those two swans supposed to represent their "Happy" and "Lucky"?


    Why should Jessica-mute Jessica-get one?


    She''s hand, hidden beneath the covers, curled into a tight fist.


    The next morning.


    She woke.


    Almost on cue, Timothy''s phone rang.


    He answered.


    "Hello, is this Timothy? There''s a package here for you."


    "Please leave it at the front desk—I''ll pick it upter."


    He pocketed his phone and turned to She. "I need to step out for a bit."


    "Timothy."


    She stopped him. "Ines''s exhibition is today. You wanted me to finish that piece as soon as possible. I worked on it pretty much all night the day before yesterday, and it''s done now. Could you take a look?"


    This was important—it would determine whether She could be Ines''s student.


    "Sure."


    "Can you grab myptop bag for me?"


    She hade straight from Riverside, heading directly to the hospital. Her


    suitcase andptop bag were both in the room.


    Timothy retrieved herptop and handed it over.


    She opened it and navigated to her piece: The Grand Canal, Venice.


    She''d stayed at The Gilded Whisper Estates the night beforest, putting the finishing touches on the design and making careful improvements based on the original.


    Her illustrated version of The Grand Canal, Venice was an original creation. She had always been confident in her animation skills, especially since she was recreating and even aiming to surpass the original piece this time.


    She was sure Timothy-and Ines-would see her strengths.


    She pulled up the design, turned theptop around, and showed Timothy.


    At first nce, it was striking-something that truly caught the eye.


    But the effect faded on closer inspection.


    That delicate bnce between movement and stillness, the subtle intery the piece demanded, wasn''t quite there.


    Of course, the technical skill was undeniable.


    Technique can be mastered with enough dedication, anyone can reach excellence.


    But talent is another story.


    In every field, there are always a few rare prodigies that others can spend a lifetime chasing, but never surpass.


    Those are the ones born for their craft.


    Timothy wasn''t an expert in animation, but after years of watching She work, he''d developed a decent eye for it.


    He was starting to understand what Ines meant about talent and that elusive creative spark.


    No wonder Ines was reluctant to ept She as a student.


    She was probably still waiting for that one exceptional pupil.


    If that student never appeared, only then would She get her chance.


    "She, what do you think?" Timothy asked, seeing the anticipation in her eyes. She desperately wanted his approval.