Secrets Beneath the Surface,"

ne filled the air, mingling with the chatter of customers. She wiped her brow, her thoughts drifting to the fashion sketches hid

ck to reality. Sarah was a whirlwind of energy, her laughter infectious. Bu

re. Her dreams of becoming a fashion designer felt like a cruel joke, always just out of reach. She had applied to countless internship

ples lost in conversation. Julia moved through the tables, taking orders and serving food, her mind racing with thoughts of

It was Mark, the café owner, his brow furrowed wit

back unless there was a problem. As she follow

sed. "Look, I know things have been tough lately. Business is slow,

? No! Please, I need this job," Julia pleaded, h

said, his voice softening. "You're talented, Julia. Don't

ce where she could dream and create. Now, it felt like the last thread of ho

round her, she stepped outside into the bustling street, the cold air biting at her sk

alls felt like they were closing in, each breath a reminder of her failures. She picked up a pe

was Sarah, her eyes wide with concern. "Ju

rt aching. "I don't know what

ting balm. "You're not lost. You're just on

ouring over Julia's sketches. With each idea, Julia felt a flicker of hope igniting

n shifting from concern to shock. "Oh my God, Julia! You won't believe this. There's a fashio

"Are you serious? Thi

igns by tomorrow," Sarah urged, her eyes

she poured her heart into each piece, channeling her pain and vulnerability into something be

r. What if they didn't like it? What if she failed again? But she pushed tho

om felt suffocating, and she glanced around her small studio, cluttered with sketches, fabric swatches, and half-finished

e door. Mia had always been her biggest supporter, and seeing her

petition," she replied, trying to sound

aotic room. "That's amazing! You've worked s

hat if I'm just not good enough?" She sank i

e more than good enough. Remember last year when you almost gave up? Loo

ite within her. "You're right. I can't let fear hold

't pick you this time, it doesn't define your

through pages filled with vibrant illustrations and innovative ideas. "I just w

giving feedback," Mia replied, her tone optimis

etition's website. Her heart leapt as she opened it, only to find an announcement for a live Q&

You can ask them anyth

f a question?" Panic surged through her again

! You're passionate about your des

ty. She paced the room, rehearsing potential questions in her mind. Would th

t pounding in her chest. The judges appeared on screen, and she f

ns and share our thoughts on the submissions," one of

o ask the question that had been burning in her min