A sharp, sickening crack echoed beneath her body. The old man gasped, hurrying toward her as fast as his legs could carry him, doing his absolute best to help pull her up. But the damage was done. Tears filled Hina’s eyes as she reached into her bag and pulled out a handful of jagged clay fragments. Her midterm assignment was destroyed.
Wiping away fresh tears, Hina pushed her despair aside long enough to hand the sealed envelope to the old man. "I'm just glad... glad your package is safe, sir," she sniffled, her voice trembling violently. The old man took the envelope and handed her back her student ID, but his eyes remained fixed on the broken pieces of clay resting in her trembling hands.
He comforted her gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Art is resilient, young lady, and so are you. Keep your chin up,” he said softly. Then, looking down, he noticed the pristine, unbroken red wax seal on his envelope. He looked at Hina with profound respect, realizing that despite her chaotic morning, she had never pried into his private property.