> > >

The morning light spilled across the campus lawns, still damp with dew, and the air carried a cool freshness before the heat of the day could settle in. Students walked in clusters along the paved paths, some deep in conversation, others quiet and focused, clutching notebooks and coffee cups as they hurried toward early lectures.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation for what the day had in store. There was a steady rhythm of footsteps echoing across the grounds as the university settled into motion.

Tiana stood under a tree, her phone in one hand and a coffee cup in the other. Her tote bag hung on her shoulder as she exchanged words with a group of students. Just then, she sighted someone standing beside a silver Toyota Corolla.

“Excuse me for a minute,” she told the students as she hurried in the direction of the car.

Professor Edward stood beside his car in the parking lot. Around him, the campus moved in its usual rhythm. He rested one hand on the side of his car, absentmindedly tapping his fingers against it, his gaze fixed on someone.

Then he looked up.

“Miss Henderson,” he called in surprise.

“Good morning, Professor,” Tiana said with a faint smile.

“Good morning. How are you?” Edward asked, returning the smile.

“I’m doing well, Professor. How about you?” Tiana asked.

“Same here,” Edward replied. “I’ve been reading your book. You send it in instalments.”

“Yes, sir. I’m still writing and editing, so I prefer to send them bit by bit rather than all at once. I hope it isn’t giving you a tough time? If you want, I can—”

“No, not at all,” Edward cut her off. “It’s fine. Do what you think is best for you. I’m actually enjoying it and can’t wait to read more.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I love how it started and how it’s progressing. And yes, I see what you did with Oldbrook,” Edward chuckled.

“Oh, yes. I draw inspiration from the things around me as I write. I couldn’t think of something entirely different. So, I had to come up with the name of the town Oldbrook—from Havenbrook.”

“Hmm,” Edward nodded slowly. “That works too. You’re doing well.” He paused. “Your opening is strong and deliberate. You take your time to establish atmosphere, which suits the mystery genre, and you’re clearly attentive to character perspective. As you continue, focus on tightening tension so each scene subtly raises a question in the reader’s mind.”

Tiana listened closely and was about to reply when she noticed a young girl nearby, standing quietly with a small, knowing smile, as if she had been listening all along.

“Oh, that’s Amelia,” Edward said. “My daughter,” he added, gesturing for her to come closer.

“Oh, wow. Hello,” Tiana said, giving a small wave.

“Hi…” Amelia replied, waving back.

“Today’s her birthday. She just turned sixteen, and she insisted on coming with me to work. I’m sure she’s feeling bored already,” Edward laughed.

“No, I’m not,” Amelia protested, slightly embarrassed.

“This is Tiana, one of my students,” Edward told his daughter.

Amelia nodded, her eyes resting curiously on Tiana.

“Alright then, have a nice day, Miss Henderson,” Edward said.

“You too, Professor. Thank you for the advice,” she replied.

Tiana stood there, watching Professor Edward and his daughter walk inside the building.

Her gaze clung to him, his figure growing smaller with each step until he was out of sight. Her face stayed calm, almost neutral, but her gaze lingered longer than necessary. Her fingers tapped lightly against the edge of the coffee cup. She tilted her head slightly, but her expression remained carefully blank. Somehow, the quiet intensity of her gaze suggested she was noticing more than she let on.

“Hello,” a voice caught her attention as she blinked.

“Hey,” she replied with a faint smile.

“What were you looking at?” Nora asked, glancing ahead to see if she could spot what Tiana had been observing.

“Nothing,” Tiana smiled. “What have you been up to?” she asked, trying to change the topic.

With that, they both picked up their conversation where they had left off and continued walking toward the classroom.

***

Professor Edward leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes scanning the screen as he paused for a moment. A knock came a few seconds later.

“Come in,” he called, just loud enough for the person to hear.

Tiana opened the door slowly and stepped inside. “You asked for me, sir.”

“Yes, I did,” he replied. Adjusting his seat, he took off his glasses. “I realized I didn’t tell you something earlier when we spoke outside.”

Tiana listened intently, curiosity bubbling in her chest.

“You know, Tiana,” he began, “from what I’ve read so far, The First Draft actually makes a lot of sense as a title.”

Tiana blinked, surprised. “Really? I thought it sounded… I don’t know, unfinished. Like I didn’t put enough thought into it.”

Edward shook his head. “Not at all. In writing, the first draft is where ideas are born, where the story starts to take shape. It’s messy, yes, sometimes raw—but that’s exactly where creativity lives. Writers can feel that spark of the story's potential, that excitement of discovering new ideas.” He paused for a moment. “And your story is about Christy Hansen starting afresh in a new town, not knowing what the future holds. The First Draft fits perfectly because it mirrors her own journey. It’s the start of her life’s new chapter, full of possibilities and discoveries, just like a draft carries the first sparks of a story yet to be fully told.”

Tiana relaxed slightly, her shoulders easing. “I never thought of it that way. I guess… it does fit, then.”

Edward smiled. “It does. Don’t feel the need to change it just because it’s simple. In fact, simplicity can be powerful. Titles are often strongest when they capture the essence of the story in just a few words. Yours does that perfectly.”

Tiana took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m really grateful for everything, sir. Thank you for the advice.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Henderson. I love students who are willing to learn, and I see a lot of potential in you. Honestly, I even see a bit of myself in you — the curiosity, the humility, eagerness to learn, even some of your writing style. I’m happy to help in my little way,” he said with a wide smile. “And I can’t wait to see what Oldbrook has in store for Christy Hansen.”

Tiana returned the smile, a soft glow flickering across her face.

“You may leave. That's all for now,” Edward added.

“Thank you, sir,” she replied as she turned to leave.

She stepped out of his office, the echo of his words still lingering in her ears. For a moment, she couldn’t help herself — she laughed, loud and unrestrained. But as quickly as it came, the laughter faded. Her shoulders straightened, her smile softened, and her expression returned to its usual calm, unreadable state, as if nothing at all had stirred within her.

She let out a quiet scoff, brushing away a thought she didn’t care to linger on. Picking up her pace, a small, knowing smile tugged at her lips — one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.