**Stars Refuse To Blink by Asa River Knox**
**Aurora’s POV**
A gentle rap on the door breaks the spell of my wandering thoughts, pulling me back to the present. When I swing the door open, I find one of the housemaids standing there, her face adorned with a warm and welcoming smile. “Mr. Andrei would like to see you in his office, Miss Aurora,” she informs me with a tone that is both respectful and inviting.
A flutter of nervous excitement stirs in my stomach—not the kind that feels unpleasant but rather a tingle of anticipation. “Okay. Thank you,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
As I follow her down the corridor, the silence envelops us, the plush carpet beneath our feet absorbing the sound of our steps. I find myself tugging at the sleeves of my shirt, a small attempt to smooth the anxious fluttering in my chest. The air is thick with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, and I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me.
When we arrive at Andrei’s office, I notice that the door is already slightly ajar. As I step inside, he looks up from a folder sprawled across his desk, and the moment our eyes meet, his expression transforms. It softens, as if the sight of me brings him a moment of relief.
“Aurora,” he greets me, rising to his feet. “Please, have a seat. If you want,” he adds quickly, as if sensing my hesitation.
I take a seat in the chair across from his desk, sinking into the cushions as I try to ease the tension in my body. He settles back into his own chair, a small, encouraging smile gracing his lips.
“How did your first day go?” he inquires, his voice laced with genuine interest.
I nod, feeling a mixture of pride and uncertainty. “It was okay. Kind of long. But… I made a lot of friends,” I admit, my heart swelling slightly at the thought of the connections I’ve begun to forge.
His smile widens at my response. “I’m glad to hear that.”
A brief silence hangs between us, filled with an unspoken understanding. Then, he reaches for another folder, opening it slowly, his eyes scanning the contents before returning to meet mine.
A warmth blooms in my chest, a sense of comfort washing over me. I nod slowly, feeling the weight of his encouragement. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
He continues, “Since your school spans grades 6 through 12, there are different levels compared to other schools. We have Varsity, JV, and Frosh. However, those are Varsity I, JV I, and Frosh I. For the younger grades, which are 6-8, the levels are Varsity II, JV II, and Frosh II. If you excel, however, there’s a chance you could play with the higher-level teams.”
My mind begins to spin from the sudden influx of information. So many teams, so many options… I feel as if I’m drowning in a sea of possibilities. Just as I’m about to lose myself in my thoughts, Andrei clears his throat, pulling me back to reality.
“I’m proud of you for giving school a chance,” he says, his voice steady and encouraging. “I know this isn’t easy for you. But you’re doing remarkably well.”
A small smile creeps onto my lips, and I whisper, “Thank you.” The warmth of his words lingers in the air, a gentle reminder that I am not alone in this journey.

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