Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 86: Cultural fest

Emily's eyes sparkled as she shared the news with Alexander. "Uncle, my school's cultural fest is coming up! It's in July and August."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Tell me more, kiddo."

"The pre-event is on July  ,26th,27th,28th,31st, and the main events are in August  Emily exclaimed.

Alexander smiled, impressed. "You're excited, aren't you?"

Emily nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Our school's cultural fest is legendary. Music, dance, drama, art – you name it!"

Alexander chuckled. "Sounds like a blast."

Some days later

Emily bounced into the room, excitement radiating like a neon sign. "Today's my first pre-event, Uncle – essay writing! Wish me luck!" Alexander, glued to his phone, responded with a distracted grunt. "Umm..." Emily nudged him playfully, her eyes sparkling. "Say something, Uncle! Don't make me think you're a zombie!" Alexander looked up, focusing on Emily's eager face. His expression transformed from zombie-mode to doting-uncle mode. "Oh, yeah! All the best, kiddo! May your pen be mighty and your arguments be bulletproof!" Emily giggled.

Afternoon

After acing her essay, Emily plopped down on the couch, beside Alexander, munching on a raw carrot. "How'd it go?" Alexander asked, his mouth full. Emily shrugged nonchalantly. "Fineee... You know I exceeded the word limit." Alexander chuckled. "Nobody counts word by word, kiddo." Emily raised an eyebrow. "What if they do?" With a mischievous grin, she snatched the half-eaten carrot and started munching away.

The next day, Emily's eyes sparkled. "Now, I have poster making tomorrow!" Alexander grinned confidently. "You'll nail it! All the best!" Emily nodded determinedly. "I'll prepare. Got any tips?" Alexander chuckled. "Make it visually stunning, keep it simple, and don't forget the glue." Emily giggled. "Glue is key!" Alexander handed her a sketchbook. "Sketch your ideas tonight. I'll review them." Emily's face lit up. "Really? You'll help?" Alexander nodded. "That's what uncles are for."

As Emily sketched, Alexander leaned over her shoulder. "Need inspiration? Think superheroes, glitter, or dinosaurs." Emily laughed. "You're crazy, Uncle!" But then her expression turned serious. "My poster's on cyber crime, Uncle. Serious stuff." Alexander nodded gravely. "Show them the dangers... Make it real." Emily scribbled notes, highlighting phis" Alexander nodded gravely. "Show them the dangers... Make it realhing, hacking, and online harassment. Alexander suggested, "Add stats... and a catchy slogan." Emily's pencil flew across the paper. "Like what?" Alexander grinned mischievously. "How about 'Click Smart, Stay Safe'?" Emily's eyes sparkled.

As they worked, Alexander shared cyber security expertise. "Most hackers use social engineering tactics." Emily's eyes widened. "That's scary, Uncle." Just then, Viktor's voice echoed from the phone. "Alexander, suspicious online activity detected near the school." Alexander's expression turned serious. Emily's eyes locked onto Alexander's. "My poster's more important than ever." Alexander nodded proudly. "You're making a difference."

Finally, Emily excitedly gathered her things. "Ok, bye!" Alexander smiled, walking her to the door. "Bye! All the best for your poster presentation. And remember... don't beat anyone with your cyber crime knowledge!" Emily playfully rolled her eyes. "Uncle, you're ridiculous!" Alexander chuckled. "That's why you love me." With a quick hug, Emily dashed out.