Uncle Funded My Education Journey

The next day, the school's announcement room echoed with Francis Lawson's voice as he read his own poem aloud. At first, it seemed like a typical motivational piece, but it was secretly penned just for Aylin Scott.

When a gentle breeze stirs,

Leaves showcase their lush green purity

As summer nears,

Cicadas sing their lonely tune amidst the trees

"In the scent of fresh pastries, we talk of a bountiful year ahead."

Autumn is the poet’s season

But for you, it’s a harsh winter

You are a flower, blooming in the snow’s embrace, so proudly

Beneath your feet, the path is fraught with challenges

But without winter's trials, how would you know the brilliance of spring?

The flower won't forever lack color and fragrance

The world won’t stay desolate and cheerless

Move forward, just beyond is the scenery

Believe, Aylin

Embrace youth

Set sail and embark on your journey

You will bloom, you will share your essence

Aylin felt a pleasant warmth spread through her like little butterflies tickling her heart. She couldn’t quite decipher the message Francis was sending through the poem. Perhaps it was merely a senior's appreciation for a junior. But she chose to think it held more, an inkling of affection from a man to a woman.

What young girl doesn’t yearn for love? When Aylin didn’t see Francis, she missed him. She even dreamt of him confessing his feelings. Like her peers, she cherished romantic dreams and yearned for sincere affection. She hoped for warm, strong hands to guide her through quiet nights and a genuine heart that beat only for her under the vast, starry sky. Aylin waited for someone mature, capable of protecting her, with style and grace, confidence and strength, and a hint of humor... and Francis seemed to fit her imagination. Yet, the distance between her dreams and her understated reality was great. So, she waited, afraid to chase those dreams, but now that the opportunity had arisen, she was utterly overwhelmed...

In Aylin's heart, her longing for love was intertwined with an endless desire for familial warmth. Her pursuit went beyond mere girlish infatuation to seeking reliance—a blend of family love, romantic affection, and friendship.

Francis wrote the poem after hearing a Cinderella story from Salem Gibson. In spirit and appearance, this Cinderella was meant to be a princess. Despite their relationship and his impending graduation, he kept an ambiguous stance instead of declaring his feelings. Yet, upon truly understanding her aloofness and loneliness, he saw himself as the prince who found the glass slipper.

No matter how much Salem tried to deter him, he was resolute in helping her fit into that glass slipper.

Francis decided to confess his feelings to Aylin. He sensed her affections but didn’t grasp the complexities of her worries or what she needed from him beyond emotional support.

He knocked on her classroom door and looked intently at her usual spot. Her flustered, shy look convinced him that she felt something for him.

Francis walked over to Aylin’s desk. In front of everyone, he took her hand and led her outside. On impulse, Aylin followed. All her fears about her grandmother causing a scene, her aunt’s disappointment, her classmates’ envy or ridicule vanished, leaving only him. As they exited the school building, a cool breeze jolted Aylin back to reality. She pulled her hand from Francis. “Let go, let me go!” The attention of everyone made her uneasy.

“What’s wrong?” Francis asked.

“Nothing, it’s just... this isn’t right.” Aylin shook her head.

“What’s not right? Everything was fine a minute ago,” Francis chuckled, assuming he understood her shy hesitation.

“Did you want to talk to me about something? If not, I need to go back!” Aylin said with composure.

Francis smiled warmly before delivering his prepared speech: “Aylin, I like you! I really like you. I love your grace, your fresh perspective, your kindness, and generosity. I’m captivated by your many talents and your unique charm... So many things about you fascinate me. Please, will you be my girlfriend?”

Aylin looked at him, amazed. The confession she had hoped for came so suddenly, she was at a loss. “You…”

“Don’t say anything. I just wanted you to know—I like you!”

“Francis, listen. You’re a wonderful guy, and many girls would admire you, but I’m different! I can’t be with you! At least, not yet. Can you understand?” Aylin said, feeling a deep sense of loss as she turned him down.

“Why?”

“Because—I’m like a fragile flower, nurtured with care. I need stability before I can become who I’m meant to be!”

Watching Aylin run away in tears broke Francis's heart. He pondered her words and started to understand. She lacked security and belonging—fundamental needs for any girl, and she had none. He wanted to offer her more than just young love, but how could he convince her that he could provide safety and a sense of belonging?

The following day, Aylin was unexpectedly chosen to replace Rebecca on a business trip with Raiden Palmer to Boston. The news stirred the office atmosphere. Rebecca, in particular, looked furious, making Aylin wish she could disappear. Only Rebecca and Aylin knew the reason for the sudden change, but neither would reveal it. Rebecca feared the embarrassment, and Aylin wanted to avoid conflict.

She really didn’t want to go!

It was clear this would only intensify Rebecca’s resentment. But it was a business trip, a company directive she couldn’t decline.

When Rebecca approached with a sour expression, Aylin didn’t dare look up. Just the sound of Rebecca's clicking heels was unsettling.

“Well?” Rebecca sneered, leaning arrogantly against Aylin’s desk. “Impressive, girl! You’ve got some nerve, haven’t you? Tell me, when did you cozy up to our Mr. Palmer?”

Inwardly, Aylin thought, cozy up? That’s not even close! She wanted to retort, but with colleagues nearby, she had to remain composed. “Rebecca, you’re mistaken. I just found out about this today. I don’t know why Mr. Palmer replaced you, but it wasn’t my doing.”

“It’s not because of you? Then it must be my fault, right?” Rebecca shouted, as if ready to lash out. She felt guilty herself. “From the start, I knew you were a cunning one. Young yet sly. Did you sneak into Mr. Palmer’s bed last night?” She smirked at Aylin’s flushed embarrassment, feeling pleased. “Oh, why blush? Did I strike a nerve? Mind you, Mr. Palmer has a wife and kids!”

Aylin’s lips trembled with anger. She felt cold, scared, and furious, knowing she was no match for Rebecca’s boldness. Was it worth the argument? Thankfully, a colleague named Finn intervened, “That’s enough, Aylin. Don’t mind her kind. Mr. Palmer’s waiting in the garage. You’d better hurry!”

Though angry, Rebecca held her tongue. She wanted to strike back, but Finn was well-regarded at the company, not someone easily challenged.

Grateful, Aylin gathered her things and slipped out of the office, leaving Rebecca behind.

“Hey, enjoy the ride in Mr. Palmer’s new car!” Rebecca’s mocking laughter made Aylin shiver as she headed for the elevator.

In the elevator, she descended to the parking level. Raiden Palmer honked his horn as she emerged, pointing out his car. Aylin hurried over, got in the back seat, and buckled up.

Raiden maneuvered the car out of the garage and onto the road. Catching a glimpse of Aylin’s puffy eyes in the rearview mirror, he asked, “What’s up, kiddo?”

“Nothing,” Aylin replied softly.

Once on the highway, Raiden probed, “Did Rebecca hassle you?”

His words opened a flood of tears, though Aylin tried to maintain her composure.

Raiden guessed correctly and slammed the steering wheel. “She’s out of line!”

“You knew she was trouble, so why replace her with me? Trying to get me in trouble?” Aylin asked, feeling wronged.

“I’m sorry, kid. I didn’t think it through. I’ll sort it out when we’re back.”

Aylin wiped her eyes, reminding herself this was her boss. He brought her along for work, nothing more. To lead a stable life, she needed to stay in her place, speak and act accordingly, not overstep.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Palmer. Really, no one bullied me.”

Raiden smiled warmly through the rearview mirror, thinking her just a child at heart.

The conference, dubbed the North Atlantic Cultural Industries Summit, was held at a swanky hotel in Boston's Beacon Hill. Cultural industry leaders and notable authors from Boston, New York, and Philly attended. Aylin initially thought it was a learning opportunity but soon realized it was just intellectuals mingling with corporate elites, feigning sophistication over wine and small talk.

Aylin had never been to such a fancy dinner. She recalled Eren Murray’s trip to Boston's Public Garden to sketch during a college summer break. He had promised her a visit one day to try the famous Boston Cream Pie. A promise that would never come to fruition.

“What’s on your mind, kiddo?” Raiden asked, returning with a glass of wine after working the room.

He had originally chosen Rebecca for her social skills, ability to keep the mood light and manage drinks. But unforeseen circumstances had changed things, and now he regretted it. This young girl clearly wasn’t comfortable in such a setting. Why had he brought her?

“Nothing, Mr. Palmer. Just soaking it all in,” Aylin smiled.

“Enjoying the meal?”

“Yes, I’m full.”

“If you’re bored, take a walk to Boston Public Garden. I’ll call when we’re leaving.”

“Really?” Aylin’s eyes lit up with excitement.

A child at heart, Raiden thought. “Sure. Just be safe and don’t wander off too far.”

“Got it.”

Aylin felt free as she slipped out, savoring her brief escape.

The midday sun shone warmly as she wandered the garden paths, alone, enjoying Eren’s favorite views. The Public Garden bridges were many, all similar—she didn’t know which one he'd sketched. It didn’t matter. Sitting on one, she removed her shoes, letting her feet dangle as she gazed at the serene water.

The garden’s beauty shimmered like a dream, pulling her into a tranquil state. It was magical. She imagined Eren there, smiling warmly, painting, each stroke vibrant.

“Eren, are you done yet? Let’s pack up and head home!” She tried drawing him nearer, missing him terribly even knowing he hated interruptions when painting.

Suddenly, a firm hand grasped her arm, pulling her up. “Kiddo, why are you sitting here? It’s dangerous!” Raiden had seen her from the hotel window and rushed over.

As he set her down, she stumbled, knocking a shoe into the water.

Raiden frowned, holding back a scold as her innocent eyes met his.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Palmer,” Aylin apologized, slipping on her remaining shoe, unsure what to do next. Could she really head back to New York barefoot? She couldn’t impose on her boss for new shoes either.

Raiden knelt, “Come on, I’ll give you a ride. Let’s get to the car first, then we’ll find some shoes.”

“No, I’ll manage!” Aylin insisted, hopping on one leg. He was her boss. She couldn’t blur lines by accepting such kindness.

“Silly girl. It’s a long way back. When will you get there hopping? Besides, I have work and can’t afford to waste time. No one’s watching, and I won’t say a word back there.”

He was genuinely upset, yet how could he tolerate such antics? Aylin felt embarrassed but had no choice but to climb onto Raiden’s back.

Fortunately, Raiden was sturdy, carrying her with ease. Yet he felt the warm droplets on his neck and hair—she was crying. Why? Had his tone been too harsh? He hadn’t thought so.

“What’s wrong, kiddo?” he asked gently.

“Sorry, Mr. Palmer...” Aylin sniffled, fighting back tears but failing.

“No need to apologize. Losing a shoe was an accident. If I hadn’t pulled so abruptly, you wouldn’t have lost it, right?” His voice was soft, a tone reserved only for his young son.

“Today’s been so embarrassing, needing you to carry me.”

“Embarrassing, yes,” Raiden chuckled. “But didn’t you catch me at my worst last night?”