The sun had just risen, and its light fell over the whole room. The weather had changed, and there was the taste of frost in the air. There was still a blueish-white haze hanging in the sky, as though it was difficult for the light to penetrate.
Eilian opened the window and breathed in the fresh morning air. "Hey, Eilian!" A knock heard from her door. Eilian rushed and open the door.
"Oh, it's you Stella, I thought the event would take place at 9 a.m.? Is there anything wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. I wanted to give you this early so that you have more time," she said handing over the program. She also had a cup of coffee in her hand.
Eilian was astonished. She looked at her watch. It was only 7 a.m.
"Do you want a coffee as well?" Stella said, smiling at Eilian.
"Of course. But how did you know that I would be awake already?" Eilian asked, still astounded.
"I had a gut feeling." She handed her the cup of coffee and gave a wink.
Eilian sighed, "So I guess I can expect something from you."
Stella laughed. "You are going to make it in the history books with your winning this year." She patted Eilian on the back.
"Oh and here look what I found," In her outstretched hand, she held a faded photograph of Eilian and her childhood gang, the memories of carefree days etched in their gleaming eyes.
Eilian's eyes widened with curiosity. "Where did you get that?"
Stella smiled mischievously, her eyes twinkling like an ember in a fire. "You won't believe it, Eilian. I found this tucked away in an old antique store downtown. It must have been there for years, hidden amongst forgotten treasures." Eilian's heart skipped a beat as she took the photograph from Stella's hand, her fingers trembling slightly. As her eyes scanned the image, a rush of memories flooded her mind like a cascade of vibrant colors.
The image showed a group of children, their faces illuminated by the golden rays of the sun. They stood side by side, their vibrant personalities captured within the small frame.
"And there you are," Stella exclaimed, pointing to a young girl. "Don't you recognize yourself?" Eilian take a closer look and was puzzled to recognized herself at the photo.
Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the surreal discovery. How could she not remember being a part of this joyful group?
Eilian couldn't help but smile at the sight. "I... I do remember," she whispered, tracing the outline of her younger self with her finger. "But how is this even possible? I thought this photo was lost."
Stella shrugged, a twinkle of excitement still dancing in her eyes. "Sometimes, life has a funny way of bringing back what we thought was lost." Eilian pondered Stella's words, feeling a renewed sense of wonder and exhilaration coursing through her veins.
Stella watched Eilian intently. "Does it ring any bells, Eilian? Do you remember any of these kids?"
"Yeah I do, they were like my siblings with different mother." Eilian's expression softened. "I am thankful that I have that kind of friend when I was still there." But now, holding that faded photograph in her hands, she felt a renewed sense of urgency. These were the people who had shaped her early years, who had been there through thick and thin. They were the ones who had shared countless adventures, secrets, and dreams. Months had turned into years since she had lost contact with them, and the photograph had ignited a burning desire within her to reconnect.
Stella nodded, her own memories surfacing as well. "They were a special group, weren't they? You had your adventures, your secrets, and your endless laughter. Those were the days." Eilian nodded, a nostalgic smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, they were the best of times."
"Anyways you should prepare for the event right now, we still have a lot of things to do. I'm just here to give you that photograph. I'll be helping them to prepare, take your time on looking presentable."
Eilian nodded gratefully, tucking the photograph safely into her pocket. "Thank you, Stella. I'll be ready in no time." As Stella turned to leave, Eilian took a deep breath and let out a sigh,her mind was filled with questions about her forgotten past. How had she lost touch with these dear friends? What had happened to their once unbreakable bond?
With a renewed sense of purpose, Eilian began to get dressed for the event. She carefully chose an outfit that exuded confidence and elegance, wanting to make a strong impression on everyone she would encounter later that day. As she stood before the mirror, adjusting a stray lock of hair, she couldn't help but wonder about the significance of finding that photograph now.
The event she's attending was a chance for her networking and making important connections.
Eilian took one last look at herself in the mirror, ensuring that every detail was perfect. With the photograph clutched tightly in her hand.
As Eilian made her way to the event, she couldn't shake off the feeling that the photograph held a deeper meaning. It was as if it was a reminder of who she truly was, beyond her current success and accomplishments. She had always been driven and ambitious, but seeing the carefree joy in her younger self's eyes reminded her of the importance of genuine connections and cherished friendships.
As she entered the door of expectations, Eilian was immediately enveloped in a sea of well-dressed individuals, their conversations buzzing in her ears. The air was thick with anticipation, and she could feel the weight of expectations resting squarely on her shoulders.
Eilian weaved through the crowd, searching for familiar faces among the sea of strangers. Despite being surrounded by successful individuals, Eilian couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness.
There she saw Stella and the crew, she's thankful for their unwavering support and unconditional love were what had fueled her dreams and ambitions all those years ago.