Episode 8
Noah immediately grabbed his phone to share the news. His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he decided to call Mateo.
Noah Rivera
Mateo! You won't believe this
Mateo Alvarez
What happened? Did someone buy you coffee for once?
Noah Rivera
My painting got selected for the gallery exhibit! I’m going to have my work displayed!
Mateo Alvarez
*let out loud whoop*
Mateo Alvarez
Finally! I told you your work would get noticed! This is amazing, Noah. You’re officially a gallery artist now!
Noah Rivera
*grinned* It feels surreal. I was so nervous about even submitting it, but now… this is real
Mateo Alvarez
You deserve it, man. All those nights you spent doubting yourself, it all led to this. When’s the exhibit?
Noah Rivera
I need to prepare, maybe touch up a few details on the painting. And I’ll need something semi-formal to wear for the opening night
Mateo Alvarez
You mean you don’t already have something?
Mateo Alvarez
Don’t worry, I’ll help you pick something out. You can’t show up looking like you just rolled out of bed
Noah Rivera
Thanks, Mateo. You’re the best
After the call ended, Noah sat back down
Later that evening, Noah was still busy, lost in his thoughts about his painting. He was so preoccupied that he completely forgot he was also an art teacher.
It suddenly hit him—he hadn’t prepared a lesson plan for the next day, and tomorrow was Monday.
Noah Rivera
How could I forget?!
He quickly grabbed his notebook and began brainstorming ideas for his class. Time was ticking, and he needed to come up with something engaging and creative for his students.
Noah flipped through the pages of his notebook, scanning past old lesson plans for inspiration. His mind raced as he tried to think of something fresh yet simple enough to execute on short notice.
Noah Rivera
What do kids love? Colors. Messy hands. Something fun but not chaotic…
Then it hit him: collaborative mural painting.
He quickly scribbled down the idea. He’d divide the class into groups, giving each one a section of a large canvas or paper. Together, they’d create a mural that represented their favorite seasons. It was simple, engaging, and a perfect way to encourage teamwork and creativity.
Noah grabbed his laptop and began typing out a rough plan for the activity, including the materials needed and step-by-step instructions. He also jotted down some prompts to get the kids thinking: What colors remind you of summer? What shapes remind you of winter?
After an hour of planning, Noah leaned back with a sigh of relief. The lesson was ready, and he was even excited about it now. He could already picture the kids’ smiles as they worked together, sharing ideas and laughing over the occasional paint smudges.
Noah Rivera
Crisis averted *smile tiredly*
But just as he was about to close his notebook, his phone buzzed. It was a text from Mateo.
Mateo: Hey, don’t overwork yourself tonight. You better be rested for that exhibit prep! Also, I’m calling dibs on your first autograph as a famous artist.
Noah: Resting is for people who aren’t in constant chaos. But thanks, I’ll try. And sure, first autograph’s yours—if you stop pestering me about it.
Mateo: Deal. But remember, no sleep = cranky teacher. Those kids deserve better.
Shaking his head, Noah set his phone aside and turned off his desk lamp. Mateo had a point—it was late, and he needed to be at his best for both his students and his art.
With one last glance at his lesson plan, he headed to bed, already anticipating the vibrant energy of the classroom the next day.
Lily Evans
Daddy, will you be the one to drive me to school again?
Aiden Blake
*adjusting his tie*
Aiden Blake
Sorry, sweetie, I have work to do today, so the nanny will drive you, and the guard will be with you as usual
Aiden Blake
*smiled and walked over to her*
Aiden Blake
*Crouching down to her level* I’ll make it up to you this weekend, alright?
Lily Evans
*beamed up at him* Okay, Daddy! I love you
As Aiden finished getting ready and headed out the door
At his office, Aiden dove into his tasks, meeting with executives and reviewing reports
His assistant knocked on the door.
Leah (Secretary)
Sir, the investor meeting is in 10 minutes
Aiden Blake
*nodded* Thanks, I'll be there in a moment
The meeting dragged on longer than he had hoped, and by the time it ended, the clock showed it was already late afternoon. He hadn't realized how quickly the day had slipped by
He grabbed his phone to check on Lily, only to see a text from the nanny.
Nanny: Lily’s asking for you again. She’s been really quiet today, just a little tired, but she’s okay.
Aiden: I’ll be home soon. Make sure she’s comfortable. I’ll tuck her in myself tonight.
He couldn’t wait to finish up his day and head home.
Lily spent the whole day at elementary school with her nanny.
During Noah’s class, he noticed that Lily seemed a bit down, her usual lively energy replaced with a quiet sadness. As the day came to an end and it was time for the kids to go home, Noah decided to approach her.
Noah Rivera
Lily *walking over to where she was sitting*
Noah Rivera
Are you feeling alright? You seem a little quiet today
Lily Evans
*looked up at him* I miss Daddy
Noah Rivera
*smiled warmly*
Noah Rivera
*Crouching down to her level* I get it. Sometimes we all miss the people we care about
Noah Rivera
I’m sure he’ll be able to spend time with you soon. Just hang in there, okay?
Lily Evans
*nodded* I hope so
Noah Rivera
You’re a strong girl, Lily. Everything will be alright
As the class slowly emptied out, Noah watched as Lily gathered her things, still a bit quiet. He decided to walk her out to the car to make sure she got to the nanny safely. They stepped outside, the afternoon sunlight casting long shadows on the ground.
When they reached the car, Noah could see the nanny waiting by the door
Lily was about to get into the backseat when she turned to face Noah.
Lily Evans
Teacher... Are you busy today?
Noah, who had been about to leave
Noah Rivera
*Paused and looked at her* I don’t think so. Why?
Lily Evans
*eyes lit up a little* Can you come with me? I want to eat some ice cream...
Noah Rivera
*smiled* Of course, Lily. I’m not too busy for ice cream
Noah Rivera
*ruffling her hair gently* Let’s go get some
Lily's face brightened with a wide smile as she hopped into the car, excited for the small treat. Noah followed her, glad to see her happy again, even if it was just for a moment.
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