Manga Story

this needs to be in color please use the character from last panel After the show, Cinder walked through the circus grounds, still buzzing with adrenaline. Performers clapped her shoulder. Vendors offered her candied apples. The strongman lifted her onto his shoulders for a victory lap. She belonged here. That night, curled up in her wagon, she stared at the wooden ceiling and thought about Ryan. Ryan. Her old street-performing partner. The one who’d taught her how to juggle when she was just a scrappy kid with oversized ears and a tail she couldn’t control. He’d always drop the third apple on purpose during their act—just to make the kids laugh. "One day, Cin," he’d said, grinning with that lopsided smile, "we’ll perform for kings and queens. We’ll be legends." She’d believed him. But when the circus scouts came through town, only Cinder had been chosen. Ryan had pushed her forward. "Go. You’re better than this street corner. I’ll catch up—I promise." That was three years ago. She wondered if he’d made it. If he was performing somewhere grand. If he still remembered her. Her ears drooped slightly. I hope you’re okay, Ryan.