Just as Anaya clutched the letter from Stardust Publishing to her heart, her phone buzzed with a sudden ring. The name flashing on the screen made her smile, Jiya.
She quickly answered, "Hello?"
"Anaya! Congratulations!" Jiya's bright voice came through.
"Thank you, ma'am," Anaya replied softly.
Jiya huffed. "How many times have I told you not to call me that? Just call me sister, okay? Treat me like one."
Anaya said, " okk.. mam."
Jiya were like.. " mmmmm... "
Anaya giggled, "Okay… sister."
"Hmm, that's better! And Happy New Year, my dear. I wish you all the happiness and health in the world."
Anaya smiled, her voice gentle, "Thank you, sister. Happy New Year to you too."
"Did you get the package? Nathan told me that he sent it."
"Yes," Anaya nodded instinctively, though Jiya couldn't see her. "I just received it."
"And hey…" Jiya's voice turned playful. "Isn't this your final year of college? Got any plans for after?"
Anaya leaned back into her chair, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah… in May, I'm planning to visit Italy. Uncle Brain's there. He invited me."
"Ohh… I was actually planning to invite you out!" Jiya laughed. "Well, how about this, we meet in Italy! I think I'm talking too fast, huh? I just really want to meet you soon…"
Anaya chuckled. "No, it's fine. I feel the same."
"Great! Anyway, I've got something important to do. Nothing ,he's returning. I'm heading to the airport. I'll call you later. Bye, Anaya!"
The call ended.
Anaya stared at the phone, blinking.
"What just happened…?" she muttered, dazed. "Did I… just gain another family member?"
She shook her head with a smile, swinging her legs a little, and tried to clear her racing thoughts.
But just as she breathed in, the phone rang again.
Uncle Brain...
She answered quickly, "Uncle… Happy New Year."
"Annie, Happy New Year to you too!" his warm, gravelly voice said.
"Oh! Seems like,You received the gift, the painting?"
"Mmm, I did," he hummed. "That's a beautiful one. I think you've got more talent with a brush than a pen! Maybe you should start a career in painting."
Anaya chuckled, "Uncle… guess what? My novel has officially been released."
"Really? That's wonderful news!"
"And… and you know where? In New York. By Stardust Publishing, my favorite one!"
"Wow! My little Annie's going places."
Anaya whispered, "Though it's not Jan 1st there yet… but still, it feels magical. Oh, and I've already applied for my passport. Just four more months… then I'll come see you."
They chatted a while longer, voices filled with warmth and gentle teasing.
Just as she ended the call, her phone buzzed again.
This time, Nathan.
She smiled and answered, "Happy New Year, sir."
"Happy New Year, Ann. And congratulations. Your book is now published."
Anaya's voice turned soft, filled with wonder. "Sir… why didn't you tell me earlier that you were from Stardust? That's been my dream. Publishing with them… it felt like a miracle."
Nathan laughed lightly. "Well, maybe we were destined to meet. You did your part, now it's our turn to show it to the world. And hey, don't forget to share your news on social media. Your readers are waiting."
"Yes, sir. And thank you… really."
"Oh, and if the book is received well," Nathan added, "there's a chance it might be adapted further. So .."
Anaya sat frozen for a moment. A possible adaptation? That thought alone made her dizzy.
After the call, she quickly opened her social media accounts her author page, and others and posted a few pictures: the cover of her book, a snapshot of the letter, and a caption full of gratitude and disbelief.
To her surprise, comments started flowing in.
Congratulatory messages, hearts, emojis, a quiet corner of the internet was cheering for her.
The whole day passed in a blur of calls, messages, and celebrations. That night, the restaurant staff, her second family threw a small party for her. There were lights, laughter, cake, and even a few silly dance moves in the kitchen.
But as the crowd thinned and the stars began to blink gently above, Anaya finally found a moment to herself.
She stood on the balcony, the cold air brushing her cheeks, and opened her Weibo account. She went to Yu Chen's profile, her heart skipping with that old, familiar rhythm.
Then, she typed in weibo:
"Ayeo… this day was so busy. You know I don't even like talking on the phone, but today it was one call after another. Haaa… so tiring.
But… I'm happy. Really happy.
Oh! Forgot to tell u Happy New Year, love.
I don't know if it's possible, but I really wish I could meet you this year. Just once.
I wish all good things come our way.
Good night… I love you, man."
She stared at it for a moment, then gently hit "send."
Outside, the first firework cracked across the sky.
She looked up, eyes glistening.
The sky bloomed with color, as if painting her joy in light. She smiled, hugging her arms around herself.
This year had begun with a miracle.
And deep inside, she believed somehow, some way, more were on the way.