Record

The Blue Powder: 3

Trying to mask her uncertainty, she recounted what happened to the group of girls. “I tried to help my uncle… things didn’t go as planned,” she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Avali’s eyes narrowed, a smirk forming on her lips. “I thought you were smarter than that. But clearly, I was wrong. You’re such a disappointment. I should’ve known people like you don’t deserve the chances you’re given.”

Lily’s determination flickered as she stood her ground. “I’ll save up again. I’ll get back on track.”

Avali scoffed, crossing her arms. “It doesn’t work like that. You were given the money for a specific goal. Instead, you wasted it on that camera of yours.” Her gaze darted to the camera Lily clutched tightly to her chest.

“It’s not just a camera,” Lily shot back fiercely. “It’s my family.”

The group erupted into cold, mocking laughter. “Your family is dead, Lily. What good does that camera do for you? Meanwhile, you could’ve invested in something worthwhile, like Wogy-Wdy products. At least those bring real benefits.”

“I can’t let my uncle do this alone,” Lily retorted, her voice trembling but resolute.

Avali stepped closer. “Let me ask you something, Lily—could you even have helped your uncle if I hadn’t given you that job in the first place?”

“That’s true, but it’s my effort. I earned that money. I should decide what to do with it.”

Avali’s expression darkened, her eyes flashing with cold fury. “Is that how you repay someone who helped you? You’re so ungrateful.”

“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that—”

“Do you realize,” Avali cut her off icily, “that the same way I gave you this opportunity, I can take it away just as easily?”

Lily’s heart raced. “But my uncle needs help… It’s like you’re helping him too. You should be happy about that! I promise I’ll save up and get the blue powder next time, okay? You know how much that means to me.”

Avali’s smile was razor-sharp. “Not more than your precious camera, clearly. That can wait. The blue powder will be long gone by the time you manage to save up again. But you’re so close now—you could just talk to your uncle. Postpone whatever else you were planning.”

Lily's mind was racing. “But what reason would I give him?”

The group exchanged impatient glances, and one of the girls sneered. “Do we have to do all the thinking for you? Come up with anything. You know him best.”

“Yeah,” Avali chimed in. “You’re always bragging about how close you and your uncle are. Use that connection, or is it not as strong as you make it seem?”

Lily nodded reluctantly. “Okay…”

“Good. Now let’s go get you that blue powder, Lil' Silly.”

Lily shifted uncomfortably. “Um… The money’s with my uncle.”

Avali rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Of course it is.” she softened her tone slightly, “You really don’t make things easy for yourself, do you, Lil’? You’re better than this, but you’re wasting your effort.”

One of the girls added with a nod, “You’ve got the skills. That’s why Avali brought you in.”

Lily looked at their faces, sensing a mix of genuine concern and subtle pressure.

“Look,” Avali said, her voice more measured now. “Go talk to your uncle. If you want to be serious about helping him, this is how you do it. Get the money and let’s secure what matters—then you can focus on whatever else is important to you.”