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Chapter 32 - The muddy miracle

Setting: Behind the arts building. Late afternoon. Tina hums while watering some college plants with a leaky old bottle. Her shoes are muddy, her hair's in a messy bun, and she's clearly in her own little world.

Tina (singing badly):

> "Photosynthesis is my therapy... la la laaa…"

Suddenly — a loud sneeze from the bushes.

Tina jumps.

> "AHHH! Bush ghost?!"

From behind the hedges stumbles Eela — looking dazed, pale, and holding her side.

Tina gasps.

> "Lady, are you okay? You look like you got run over by an emotional rollercoaster."

Eela (blinking dramatically):

> "I... I tripped. On something invisible, possibly betrayal."

Tina frowns.

> "Been there. Tripped over a banana peel once. Still haven't recovered emotionally."

Eela chuckles softly — wincing as she tries to stand.

Tina rushes over and helps her up, nearly falling herself.

> "Whoa whoa whoa, okay! You're not heavy, but my balance is powered by caffeine and vibes."

Eela steadies herself with Tina's help.

> "You are… oddly helpful."

Tina flips her hair proudly — accidentally flinging mud on her own face.

> "I'm a full-time drama queen and a part-time savior."

Eela laughs.

> "You're something else."

> "So I've been told. By my therapist. And my cat."

---

🎁 Scene: The Gift

As Eela steadies herself, she reaches into her satchel and pulls out a simple earthy bracelet — soft brown threads, a stone centerpiece with faint swirls etched into it.

She holds it out to Tina.

> "Here. A small thank-you for your… uniquely chaotic kindness."

Tina blinks.

> "A bracelet? For dragging you out of a bush?"

> "Not just any bracelet," Eela says with a half-smile. "It's… handmade."

(Definitely a lie.)

Tina stares at it.

> "Is it cursed?"

> "Not unless you put it in your mouth."

> "Fair."

She accepts it and slips it on.

It fits perfectly.

> "Huh. Stylish. Bush-chic. Love that."

Eela's eyes twinkle with mystery as she turns to walk away.

Tina calls out.

> "Wait! What's your name?"

Eela looks over her shoulder.

> "Just… someone passing through."

> "Okay, that's weird and cool. I hope you're secretly a spy or something."

Eela smiles — a quiet, knowing smile — and disappears into the garden path.

---

> Tina stares at the bracelet, then shrugs.

> "Well, I've accepted free pizza with more strings attached. This seems fine."

She skips off toward the canteen… completely unaware that she now holds the Earth Spirit Charm — and with it, a sleeping guardian spirit named Terra… who just snorted in her ancient sleep at Tina's sarcasm.

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