, taking in the vibrant colo

conversation, but he remained

,

🎵�

e bed stand jolted Ruby up. Today

bed, excitement and nerve

moment for weeks, and she was det

d to the art competition. She hoped he

breath, trying t

dressed and headed do

hts of the competition, and she

t about her conversation with

Her family's response had been lukewarm - Michael had asked her expectantly.

t with face scrunched b

w, Father. I just want to cr

at's meaningful is bringing in a good income. You n

her thoughts as she app

ily and Ethan were alr

y responded to her with nods and murmurs,

n to eat, trying to push a

up. "I'll meet you all at the art competitio

lt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped h

house with her family exclud

the auditorium, she

crews swarmed aroun

ready been ushered to the audit

h the crowd, she collides wi

rora Wynter, smiled warmly and waves her ha

d demeanor pu

lt a sense of familiarity w

was part of the contesta

ion and creative process and Ruby

herself smiling as she listens to Ruby's stories

motions swirling beneath the surface. She c

rmoil, chatting enthusiastically about the

ss on Aurora's eyes. She wonders what's behind

Ruby. "You have talent and your inspirati

ed to leave. "Believe in yourself, Ruby. You'll s

urora's support while walking toward

at Ruby with a piercing

,

Compe

oming the audience and contestants while introducing everyone. There were four judges available -Liam Grey, Mr Johnson, professor Bry

ey's introduction was overwhelmin

ing Dani and Ruby were seated. This gave Ruby a chance t

cked eyes with her and they b

ing a sense of unease quickly nudg

terrupted when the emcee announce

xed on Liam while Liam's e

r, Ruby's curiosity was eventually piq

me into view- it was none

s critic. Still digesting the revelation, the emcee added the introducti

eling excited. She couldn't

hat would be

ng criteria and the judges nodded in agreement. Aurora

ves as she waited for the

n, and the judges began evaluating the artwork.

pieces of each contestant making

came from Sophia who is trying to stifle a giggle. Liam gave her a

h a mix of excitement and curiosity. She seemed to be looking

waits for the judges feedback. She

he artwork, taking notes and discu

ora's eye, and she pauses t