Chapter 19: A Subtle Nudge

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Sithu sat at her desk in the corner of the classroom, watching Finn as he worked on an assignment. His brows were furrowed in concentration, but beneath that focus, she could still sense the same loneliness that had lingered since their first conversation. She had figured out who Finn's soulmate was, but the challenge now was getting him to meet Ethan without revealing anything about Nymbrelis.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and the students began packing their bags. Finn moved slowly, as usual, keeping to himself. Sithu decided this was the moment.

"Finn," she called softly. He looked up, his quiet eyes meeting hers.

"Yes, Miss Sithu?" he responded, his voice polite but reserved, as always.

Sithu smiled warmly, trying to ease the tension she could feel in him. "I wanted to ask how you've been feeling, trying new activities and meeting people."

Finn shrugged, glancing at his shoes. "It's been... okay, I guess. But nothing's really clicked, you know? I still feel like I don't belong."

Sithu nodded. She had expected as much. "You know, sometimes finding the right people takes time. But there's no rush. You'll meet people who make you feel like you fit, just like I did with my best friend Jaren."

Finn's eyes flickered with interest. "How'd you meet him?"

"Funny you ask," Sithu said, leaning forward conspiratorially. "I actually met him by accident, helping an old lady cross the street. It wasn't something I expected, but he ended up becoming my best friend." She paused for a moment, then added, "Sometimes you meet people in unexpected places. There's this bookstore, Silas Books. You ever been there?"

Finn shook his head. "No, never heard of it."

"It's a nice little spot," Sithu said casually, careful not to sound too deliberate. "I thought of it because the owner's son, Ethan, works there after school. He's around your age, and I think you two might get along. Why don't you check it out sometime?"

Finn looked at her with a bit of skepticism, but he trusted Miss Sithu. "I guess I could. I've been looking for new books anyway."

Sithu gave him an encouraging nod. "I think you'll like it. You never know, it might be a place where you feel more... at home."

A few days later, Finn walked into Silas Books. It was a cozy, quiet shop with wooden shelves packed with books, the scent of paper and old leather filling the air. He felt a bit out of place at first, but then he noticed a boy with curly hair arranging books at the counter. The name tag on his shirt read "Ethan."

"Hey," Finn said, walking up. "Do you work here?"

Ethan glanced up, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Yeah, after school. My dad owns the place."

"Cool," Finn replied, feeling a bit awkward. "Miss Sithu mentioned this place. She said I might find something interesting here."

Ethan smiled. "Miss Sithu, huh? She's great. What kind of books are you into?"

The question threw Finn for a second. He didn't really know how to answer. "I'm not sure. I've been trying to figure that out."

Ethan nodded knowingly. "That's cool. I've got a few ideas. Want me to show you around?"

"Yeah, sure," Finn said, relaxing a little.

As they moved through the aisles, Ethan pointed out books he thought Finn might like, talking about stories that explored different worlds, adventures, and the kinds of characters who felt out of place, much like Finn himself. There was an ease in their conversation that Finn hadn't expected. For the first time in years, he didn't feel so alone.

After an hour of talking and browsing, Finn left the shop with a book Ethan had recommended and a sense that something had shifted. He had met someone who, like him, seemed to understand things beyond the surface.

Walking home, Finn felt lighter, and for the first time, he had a glimmer of hope that maybe he wasn't as out of place as he thought.

Sithu had been right—he had found something special at Silas Books. But little did he know, it wasn't just the books or the place. It was the beginning of a connection that would change everything.

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