Chapter 9: The Successor of Dreams
Chapter 9: The Successor of Dreams
In the wake of the media storm, a young girl of about sixteen timidly walked into The Open Seam. She wore a frayed sweater, her eyes large but sorrowful, clutching an old, battered sketchbook tightly against her chest.
"Are you... are you Miss Lily?"
The girl asked hesitantly.
Lily set her shears down, offering a gentle smile to ease the girl's anxiety.
"Yes, I am. Is there something I can help you with?"
The girl held out her sketchbook. Lily opened it and was instantly stunned. Inside were dozens of fashion design concepts—bold, innovative, and carrying a distinct artistic soul, even if the pencil strokes were unrefined.
"My name is Clara. I live at the orphanage down the street. I want to learn how to sew so badly, but... I don't have any money. I saw the news about Mrs. Eleanor's charity and your shop. I just wanted to ask... could I work here for free in exchange for learning the trade?"
Eleanor stepped out from the back room, taking the sketchbook from Lily's hands. As the former fashion icon scrutinized the designs, her hands began to tremble.
"These silhouettes... this understanding of structure..."
Eleanor whispered, then looked up at Clara.
"Who taught you how to balance colors like this?"
"I taught myself using the scraps of fabric people threw away, ma'am,"
Clara replied, lowering her head.
Eleanor looked at Lily, an unspoken understanding passing between them. This was exactly why they had come to this town. To find raw gems like Clara—girls who were just like Eleanor and Sarah once were.
May you like
Lily reached out and held Clara's slender hands.
"Starting tomorrow, you won't be working for free. You will be our official apprentice. Aunt Eleanor's charity will sponsor your full stipend and training. We are going to create beautiful garments together."
