A Stranger’s Smile

Lily’s heart pounded in her chest. She shifted her gaze back to the laptop screen — and it was blank. Completely blank, like an untouched white canvas. Panic bubbled up inside her as she turned to look at him… the man who was already staring at her.

“You… You were there, right?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

The man smiled — an innocent, almost amused smile — which only made her panic more.

“A-are… you a g-ghost?” she stuttered.

At that, he chuckled softly. “No. I’m not.”

His voice — low and raspy — sent a shiver down her spine. Goosebumps rose on her arms as she tried to steady herself. Gathering her courage, she asked, “Then… w-what are you? How… how did you get here? From there?” She pointed toward the screen. “It’s… it’s impossible!”

When he took a step toward her, she stumbled back, eyes wide. “S-stop! Stop right there!”

He froze, raising his hands as if to show he meant no harm. “Don’t be scared,” he said gently. “I’m Jin.”

“Jin? Like… like a genie?” she blurted out.

He laughed, a warm, quiet sound. “No. My name is Jin.”

“Oh… O-okay…” She tried to gather her thoughts, but the words kept tripping over themselves. “I… I’m… what was my name again? Oh! Lily! I’m Lily.”

Jin watched her with an amused expression, clearly entertained by her flustered state. Meanwhile, Lily was busy questioning her entire reality.

“How is this even possible?” she muttered to herself. “How did you get out of my artwork and… and stand here? Alive?”

She looked down at her hands, turning them over like she was seeing them for the first time. Then an idea struck her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Wait… don’t tell me — I’m a wizard!” She rushed back to her laptop. “If I draw something else… will it come to life too? Like you did?” Her mind raced with the possibilities. “This is… this is amazing!”

But Jin finally spoke, his voice calm and serious. “No. Only me… and you’re not a wizard.”

“What? But… why only you?”

“It’s just… just me,” he said with a shrug. “I guess.”

Lily stared at him, completely bewildered. “So… you’re alive?”

“I think I am,” Jin said softly. “Thanks to you.”