INTO HIS ZODIAC

From the depths of the ground floor, an increasingly frantic voice persistently called out, "Ava! Ava!" But alas, the resounding silence that followed was as profound as it was unyielding. After the third entreaty, a remarkably handsome young man swung the door open, revealing Ava's seemingly immovable form still ensconced beneath her oversized white blanket, her pretense of slumber expertly maintained. Yet, her façade was destined to crumble, for she was rudely jolted from her feigned slumber. Her body, cocooned on her left side under that voluminous white shroud, had been caught unawares.In this familial drama, it was none other than Alexander, the ten-years-her-senior older brother, who chose to take matters into his own hands. With a playful yet exasperated demeanor, he hurled a golf ball toward her, accompanying it with a teasing admonishment. "Young lady, Mum's calling. Get up, will ya?" His hands found comfort in the pockets of his attire as he awaited her response, a picture

The air from outside blew through the opened windows and the hanging curtains, heightening Ava's tension. Shaking, she slowly walked to the table to pick up her phone, which had stopped vibrating for a moment. She paused, feeling the cold air passing through the window and giving her goosebumps. As the phone started vibrating again, she mustered the courage to answer the call, curious to know who the caller might be."The first thing the caller said was 'Ava,'" and she replied, "Yes, this is her." Suspense filled the air as she awaited the caller's identity. The caller introduced himself, "I am Ethan..." Ava softly repeated his name, trying to remember where she had heard it before. "The lifeguard who helped you out of the pool earlier today," he explained. There was no response from Ava.Ethan continued, trying to break the awkward silence, "Err... how are you feeling now?" Again, Ava remained silent, still processing the situation. Ethan then revealed, "Actually, errm... Kylie gave

His apology, though genuine, seemed insufficient to breach the wall of Ava's silence. Her initial response, marked by a profound sense of disgust, was a testament to the turmoil that had been festering within her. Ava, her emotions a tempestuous sea of resentment and frustration, remained silent for a moment, her anger simmering beneath the surface like a dormant volcano. It was a silence that bore the weight of unspoken accusations and grievances, a silence that seemed to stretch on indefinitely.But then, as if a dam had burst within her, Ava could no longer contain the tempest of emotions that raged within. Her anger, a seething tempest that had been held in check for too long, demanded release, and she vented her frustration with a violent strike against the table before her. The cafeteria, once a backdrop of casual conversations and lunchtime gatherings, was abruptly transformed into a theater of raw emotion and confrontation as Ava's voice rose to a crescendo, her words a torren

"Congratulations, dear fellow graduates, on attaining this remarkable milestone that signifies both an end and a new beginning. Let us forge ahead, embracing perpetual learning, catalyzing innovation, and embodying unwavering integrity in every facet of our lives. While the road ahead may be interspersed with challenges, together, united by our shared determination and aspirations, we possess the capacity to shape a future that echoes with the resounding success of our collective journey."With heartfelt gratitude, Leon concluded his address.Subsequent to the ceremony, a charming young woman named Alessia enveloped Leon in a heartfelt embrace, whispering, "I'm profoundly proud of us." Responding with a bashful grin, Leon's emotions radiated warmth, a silent acknowledgment of their shared journey. The jubilant atmosphere enveloped them as fellow graduates jubilantly tossed their caps into the sky, a collective celebration of their accomplishments.One serene afternoon, draped in casua

Despite her heart's frenetic pace, Ava managed to muster a response, a breathless "Hey" escaping her lips. As she turned to meet his gaze, time seemed to suspend, her world narrowing to the enigmatic Leon Miller. But just as anticipation thickened the air, he released his hold, leaving Ava both startled and longing for more, the weight of his presence lingering as he returned to his seat.This was because,as the game unfolded, he found himself unable to persist, his resolve faltering in the face of a truth he couldn't ignore—her appearance seemed strikingly youthful, a mismatch for his expectations within the context of the game.Acknowledging his defeat in the game, Leon offered a resigned smile, conceding, "You won." The audacious lady, not one to miss an opportunity, teased him further, her fingers playing with the fabric of his tie as she declared, "For your loss, I demand all the riches you possess." Leon's own grin mirrored her playfulness as he replied, "Done," a promise exchang