Sophia: gently Remember the cobblestones of Vienna? Our discovery was... serendipitous.
Yes, Sophia, like the first time we both visited here.
smiling nostalgically Indeed, Rivera. The moment felt as if the world slowed down for just a brief, magical instant.
It did. Do you think we'll ever find each other again?
sighs softly, looking wistfully at the cobblestones Time has a way of eroding our paths, doesn't it? But perhaps fate has a knack for bringing lost souls back together.
Maybe. Or maybe this is just a dream.
placing her hand gently on Rivera's arm Dreams have a way of becoming reality, Rivera. Just like how our love story began with a serendipitous encounter.
Yeah. How long has it been? Three years? Four?
pauses, reflecting on the passage of time It's been four years, Rivera. Four years since that fateful day when our hearts first collided.
Four years. I wonder what we'd do if we found each other again.
smiles softly If fate brings us back together, Rivera, I imagine we'll create new chapters in our lives, filled with shared memories and unspoken words.
Would you still be a history teacher?
pats her backpack The lure of the past will always be a part of me, Rivera. Teaching history allows me to connect with people's roots, to help them find meaning in their journeys. But enough about me – what about you? What's your latest venture?
Oh, I've been working on a book. It's sort of a historical fiction thing.
As Sophia and Rivera continue their conversation, they realize that the chances of them finding each other again are slim to none. Their moment of serendipity was just a fleeting dream, leaving them both to continue their lives, paths crossed but ultimately diverging.
takes a deep breath, eyes shimmering with emotion I miss you too, Rivera.
You know, I wrote one of the characters based on you.
smiles warmly Oh, Rivera, I'm flattered! I'd love to hear more about this character who bears my likeness.
Well, she's not exactly you. She's...a version of you, I guess. A more adventurous one.
laughs softly Ah, sounds like you've been indulging in some creative liberties, haven't you? I'm intrigued, Rivera.
grins mischievously Well, I guess I'll just have to add your book to my ever-growing pile of historical novels, won't I?
Fair point. Alright, let's move on from our past. Tell me about your current student. Someone asking about our "serendipitous" moment.
leans in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially Let me tell you about one of my students. This particular young man is quite the enigma.
Really? What makes him so mysterious?
winks playfully Oh, where do I even begin? First of all, he's obsessed with the Victorian era.
That's interesting. Why so focused on that?
leans back, crossing her arms Well, it seems this young man has a rather peculiar obsession with Victorian-era mysteries.
nods Oh, dear me, no! It's more like he's fixated on the likes of Bram Stoker and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
smirks He's convinced he's descended from one of Bram Stoker's characters. Can you imagine? Claiming to be Dracula's distant cousin during our vampire unit. I had to stifle a laugh, but I could see the seriousness in his eyes.
Wow. That's something. So, how did you handle it?
raises an eyebrow Well, I decided to play along for a bit. I encouraged him to elaborate on his "supernatural lineage."
chuckles Oh, he was hooked! He started rambling on about his "vampire senses" and how he could "feel the presence of Dracula within him."
Ha! Did he really think you'd believe it?
bursts into laughter Oh, Rivera, it was priceless! I had to stifle my laughter as he continued to spin this elaborate tale.
Good for you. Always keeping your students on their toes.
straightens her posture But then, something unexpected happened. As I listened to his wild claims, a flicker of recognition sparked in my mind.
leans in closer, speaking softly There was something in his eyes, Rivera.
pauses dramatically Yes, Rivera. It was as if I saw a glimpse of the real Dracula looking back at me through his eyes.
leans back, crossing her arms Well, perhaps I was exaggerating slightly, but there was something undeniably eerie about him.
raises an eyebrow Oh, I played along a bit longer, teasing him with hints of Dracula's existence.