"Are you still there?" My mother's voice floated through the door, a trace of worry threading her words.
"Yes, Mom," I called back, my eyes not leaving the magical ability chart spread across my desk. "I'll pass on lunch. I'm prepping for the Taming Beast Challenge."
"But darling, you don't have a beast pet yet." Her voice was a mix of concern and disbelief.
"No worries, Mom. I've got it under control." I tried to keep my voice steady, masking the uncertainty gnawing at me. "I'll have a beast pet by the end of the week."
"You know, if you need help, you only need to ask. Your father was quite the beast tamer in his day."
"I know, Mom." My response was absent-minded as my thoughts were already circling back to the monumental task at hand.
Phew, that was a close one! I mopped my forehead with the back of my hand, my heart pounding in my chest. But the reality was, I needed a beast pet in less than a week. Maybe it's time to scrutinize my abilities' status in more detail.