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.