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2. REJECTED

Alina stood in the middle of her new condo, surrounded by cardboard boxes and the scattered remnants of her previous life. The space was modest but charming, with enough room for one person to live comfortably. She was thrilled to have found an apartment under her budget, and the added bonus was that her brother, Jace, lived just one floor below.

Her mismatched eyes shining with happiness as she gazes out of the window on the snowfall.

"Almost done," Jace said, setting down a box labeled "Kitchen Stuff." He wiped his brow and flashed a reassuring smile at his sister. "How are you holding up?"

"Pretty good," Alina replied, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "It's all starting to feel real now."

As they worked together to unpack her things, Jace carefully arranged Alina's beloved books on the shelves in her bedroom. He knew how much her writing meant to her, and he handled each volume with care. Alina paused to admire the view from her window, the city skyline stretching out before her like an endless sea of possibilities.

Just as she began to feel a sense of accomplishment, her phone dinged, breaking the serene moment. She picked it up, her heart sinking when she saw yet another rejection email for a writing job. Her shoulders slumped, and she let out a deep sigh.

"Another one?" Jace asked, noticing her dejected expression. His own hheartachinv for her sister's luck. How could the world be so cruel tonthe young soul he thought and sighed mentally, cursing the one who rejected her.

"Yeah," Alina pouted, staring at the screen. "I don't get it, Jace. How can I keep getting rejected when I’ve just published my second book, 'The Chronicles of Aleora', I mean I write pretty good?"

Jace put down the book he was holding and walked over to her, a look of determination on his face. "Hey, don't let it get to you. You know how competitive the industry is. Besides, your work is amazing. It'll just take time for the right opportunity to come along."

Alina tried to muster a smile, but the weight of the constant rejections was starting to take its toll. Seeing her struggle, Jace decided to switch tactics. He pulled a goofy face, crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue, which elicited a reluctant giggle from Alina.

"There it is," he said triumphantly. "The famous Alina laugh. I was starting to worry I'd lost my touch."

She laughed again, this time more genuinely. "Thanks, Jace. I needed that."

"Anytime, sis," he replied. "And listen, if you ever need help with anything, I'm just a floor away. We’re in this together, remember?"

Alina shook her head, her smile returning. "I appreciate it, but I need to do this on my own. I’ll find a job soon, I promise."

Jace nodded, respecting her determination. "I know you will. You're one of the strongest people I know."

Alina returned to unpacking her things, feeling grateful for her brother's support. The future might be uncertain, but with Jace by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Jace unpacked one of Alina’s boxes, he started whistling a cheerful tune, catching her attention. He then stopped and grinned at her. "Knock, knock!"

Alina couldn’t help but smile. "Who’s there?"

"Where, when," Jace replied, eyes twinkling with mischief.

She scrunched her nose, puzzled but amused. "Where, when, who?"

Jace clapped his hands and shrieked, "Bookstore, at five, me and you!"

Alina’s eyes lit up, and she pumped her fist into the air with excitement. "Yes! A trip to the bookstore! You know just how to cheer me up."

Jace laughed, glad to see her spirits lifted. "I thought you could use a break and a little inspiration. Plus, who knows? Maybe you'll find a new idea for your next book."

Enthusiasm rushed in her veins as Alina continued unpacking, looking forward to their bookstore adventure. The simple joy of spending time with her brother and being surrounded by books was just what she needed to feel hopeful again.

~☆~

As Jace continued unpacking, he couldn't resist cracking a few jokes at Alina’s expense. "Hey, remember that time you tried to cook and almost set the kitchen on fire? Maybe we should keep you away from the stove in this place."

Alina laughed and playfully kicked his butt. "Hey, that was one time! And the fire was tiny!"

Jace straightened his spine and put on a mock serious expression. "Alina, as your older brother, I must insist on you taking cooking lessons."

She made a silly face at him. "Oh, please. Like you’re a master chef."

Jace couldn't keep up the serious act and burst into laughter. Alina took the opportunity to dart out the door and onto the street. "Catch me if you can!" she called back.

Jace tightened his long coat and bolted after her. "You’re not getting away that easily!" he shouted, laughing.

They ran down the street, their laughter echoing through the neighborhood. Alina felt a rush of joy as they neared the bookstore, the adventure with her brother lifting her spirits more than anything else could. She looked back to see Jace gaining on her, his determination making her laugh even harder.

They reached the bookstore, breathless and smiling. "I win!" Alina declared, triumphant.

Jace pretended to pout. "Only because I let you. But let’s call it a draw."

Alina grinned, feeling more alive than she had in weeks. "Deal. Now let’s find some books!"

She whispered rubbing her hands together with her eyes filled with mischief. Someone from faraway stilled on his place with his vision blurred, his fingers curled as if craving for her one glance.

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