Out of the Box

With the sun at its zenith, Talyssa stood amidst the labyrinthine wetland, her bright gaze surveying the scenery. The brackish river splintered in a maze-like network of tributaries, each channel harboring a unique array of aquatic life. She reveled in the hum of nature- as quiet as it may be within the thrulls of winter- accentuated by the rhythmic babble of water flowing through countless channels.

Her focus fluttered over the many islands that dotted the expanse of divided waterways. Each one was untouched- untamed life; verdant canopies sheltering wildlife, their roots anchored in rich soil saturated by the river's bounty. Frosted tips of grass, kissed by winter's chill, sparkled under the high sun, a sight that brought a pleasant grin to Talyssa's face. While her exhale was silent, it was seen by the cloud frozen in the air beyond her parted lips. As she turned to those who had gathered, she cleared her throat to speak. “Creative thinking is more than just having a clever idea or solving a complex problem. It's about seeing the world in a different light – seeing possibilities where others do not.” She motioned around her, twirling on her heel with an arm extended, "Like this garden. To some, it's merely a collection of flora and fauna intertwined in a haphazard dance of survival. But to us...” Here she paused, looking directly into the eyes of those before her, “It can be a labyrinth of lessons waiting to be learned.”

"Talyssa Carpathius"