The final rehearsals for the school play were in full swing, and the students in Mrs. Wirsing's class were buzzing with excitement. Everyone wanted to do their best, as this year marked the end of an era – their time together with Mrs. Wirsing as their teacher. While most children were eager, Akio, who had been excluded from the play, seemed lost in thought. His mother had repeatedly urged him in recent days to focus and make the most of his remaining time with his classmates. Yet, Akio felt increasingly isolated.
Sophie's uncle Dimitrios, a well-known reporter, was at the school to interview the students and document the rehearsals. Sophie had embraced her role as the princess's great love with pride, using every opportunity to step into the spotlight. She was convinced this was her chance to prove herself – not just as an actress but as someone special.
When Dimitrios found Sophie, she was already glowing with excitement. "Hello, my little starlet niece," he began, holding a microphone. "May I ask you a few questions?"
Sophie nodded, her posture regal. "Of course, but only if they're interesting."
Dimitrios chuckled. "Alright, then tell me, how does it feel to be part of this special project?"
Sophie seemed to ponder before answering. "It feels… amazing. I mean, I have the best role in the entire play. Who wouldn't love that?"
"The best role, you say?" Dimitrios smiled. "What makes it so special?"
Sophie hesitated for a moment. "Because it's important. Without the great love, the story wouldn't be complete." Her voice brimmed with pride, but her eyes revealed she was grappling with something deeper.
"It sounds like you take this role very seriously," Dimitrios observed. "Does it mean something personal to you?"
Sophie blushed slightly, averting her gaze. "Maybe. It's just… I think everyone wants to be seen like that, don't they? To have someone fight for them the way the princess fights for her great love."
Dimitrios nodded, as if he understood the weight of her words, but chose not to push further. "That's a beautiful perspective. I'm sure you'll impress everyone."
Sophie straightened up and smiled confidently again. "Of course I will."
As Dimitrios moved on to interview other students, Sophie watched Akio from afar as he spoke with Auron and Lirien. It felt strange to see him so quiet. Normally, Akio was lively and full of energy, but now he seemed weighed down by an invisible burden. Sophie didn't know why, but she felt a growing urge to help him.
She thought about approaching him but couldn't find the words. What would she say? And what if he didn't take her seriously? Her thoughts wandered, and she imagined what it would be like if she could really connect with him. Then she shook her head. "That's silly," she muttered to herself.
"What's silly?" asked Lirien suddenly, startling Sophie, who hadn't noticed her approach.
Sophie flinched. "Nothing! I was just… thinking about the play."
Lirien smiled slightly. "It's going to be great. You're doing amazing."
Sophie nodded, but deep down she wondered if Lirien knew what she was really thinking.
As the other children continued chatting about their roles and the upcoming performance, Sophie remained by herself. Her thoughts lingered on Akio, but she couldn't understand why he had suddenly become so important to her. She wanted to help him but didn't know how. It was a feeling she couldn't explain – a need to show him that he wasn't alone.
Maybe, she thought, one day she'd find the courage to tell him. But today wasn't that day.