Emotional Intelligence

Rakia studied the conch shells, her gaze fixated on the weather-worn, jagged one. She let Talyssa's words wash over her like an ocean wave. The shell was beautiful, she decided, despite its cracks and rough edges. It was a testament to its own survival. She felt a pang of connection with it.

Her hazel eyes darkened at the thought of storms and struggles. She had faced hers too. She was sure everyone had to some degree. But wasn’t that the point of this? Rakia shifted slightly, dislodging a few grains of obsidian sand. She pawed at the ground absentmindedly. Talyssa was very clever. No, Rakia couldn't fully comprehend another's struggle, but she could empathize with them- or at least pretend to. Perhaps that would still get her the desired result.

"Rakia Perreau"