Emma and Jessica.

“You said you had something you needed my help with, Ms. Campbell?” Jessica asks, sitting across from Emma.

“You can call me by name here. Let’s just remember to be formal if anyone else comes here.” Emma says with a grin and a wink.

“O-Okay.” Jessica giggles. She knows Emma’s always been a very approachable teacher, but somehow it wasn’t until now she realized that translated to her as a normal person, too. And speaking of translation.

“I know you’re fluent in Spanish. I wanted your help with these texts.” Emma turns her laptop so that Jessica can see. On the screen she sees a text in Spanish. She then reads the author’s name.

“Oh! Pablo Neruda!” Jessica exclaims.

“You know him?” Emma asks, sounding excited.

“J-Just by name. I haven’t read much of his works.” Jessica laughs sheepishly. “He’s one of the biggest names in Latin American poetry.”

“That he is.” Emma nods. “The second years are looking at poetry after midterms, so I was trying to translate some of his poems. I’m not a huge fan of translating poems, but it’s the only way to bring them to more people. The problem is that my Spanish is very, very basic and I have to use a translator to help me. David’s been learning Spanish very quickly, but he’s actually terrible with poetry.” Emma chuckles. “Do you think you can help me translate these while trying to stay true to the core message of the poems?”

“Yes, I think I can.” Jessica says. “It’ll be hard, though.”

“I think three poems will be more than enough. And we don’t have to pick the longest ones.” Emma laughs.

The two of them get to work immediately, bouncing ideas and suggestions for words to use in order to keep the author’s intended message.

“You know,” Emma says. “You have a gift, Jessica.” She nods to herself, confident in her own words.

“W-What do you mean?”

“Portuguese, Spanish and English. How many people can claim to be fluent in three different languages?” Emma says. “That’s something you’ll always be able to use to your advantage, no matter what it is you’re trying to do.”

“You think so?” Jessica asks, smiling weakly and not fully believing it. “It hasn’t helped me when trying to get into acting.”

“That’s right. That’s what you’re into.” Emma hums. “I’d say you’re looking in the wrong places.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that small theatre groups in this town don’t much care for new blood since they’re formed by groups of friends, mostly. And there aren’t any TV stations here for you to try for soap operas.”

“So what should I do?”

“Have you considered voice acting?”

“Eh?”

“There’s this podcast I listen to while I’m working alone. It’s basically just radio drama. I even know that the actors live in different parts of the country.”

“A-Are you serious?” Jessica’s eyes open wide.

“I am. Does the idea sound appealing to you? If you look in the internet, your opportunities skyrocket.”

“…” Jessica is at a loss for words. Why didn’t she think of it? Was she too focused on it being theatre? And really, podcast acting would be incredible! It would solve so many problems, specially her biggest concern of what to do when it came to university.

And yes, there’d be no end of possibilities in the internet. There’re are so many options now!

She gets up from her seat, runs around the desk and gives Emma a tight, grateful hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Ahaha! No need, no need!” Emma laughs, hugging Jessica back. “This is what teachers are for. To guide their students and help them find their path. Though I guess I have a more personal interest in your future now.” She chuckles.

“R-Right.” Jessica chuckles shyly as well, her cheeks blushing and steps away. “But I mean it. Thank you. I feel better knowing there are even more options available to me.”

“Good! And like I said, since you know three different languages, you don’t have to limit your search to only one of them.”

“Yes! I’ll start looking as soon as I get home!” Jessica nods.

“Why wait? We’re almost done here. Let’s finish with these poems and start looking immediately. I’ll help.”

“Okay! Thanks!” Jessica can’t wipe away the smile off her face. When David said Emma was very reliable, he wasn’t exaggerating.