It was a gray, gloomy morning, and Sophie groaned as she sat on the bench at the bus stop. She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, feeling the cold air nip at her cheeks. The sky looked like it might start pouring any minute, which matched how Sophie felt inside—stormy and unsure.

Last night, Sophie had another long conversation with her parents. “Medicine or design—both are good careers,” her mom said. Her dad nodded in agreement. “Music is a hobby, Sophie. It’s not a career.” 

Sophie loved playing the guitar, but now, she felt stuck. She didn’t want to make the wrong choice, but her head felt like a big jumbled mess. Today, she was supposed to decide—was it going to be music, or would she give in and pick one of the paths her parents suggested?

As Sophie waited for the bus, she let out a big sigh, watching her breath puff into the cold air. Just then, she noticed an old man sitting next to her. His wrinkled hands rested on a cane, and he wore a warm, woolly hat pulled low over his ears.

"Something on your mind, young lady?" he asked kindly.

Sophie looked up, surprised. She wasn’t used to talking about her problems with strangers, but something about this old man made her feel like she could. “Yeah,” she said. “I have to decide today what I want to do. My parents want me to pick medicine or design, but I love music.”

The old man smiled softly. “Ah, a big decision indeed. But tell me this—do you know what you really want to do?”

Sophie bit her lip. “I thought I did. I love playing the guitar, but… I’m scared it’s not enough.”

The old man nodded slowly. “When I was your age, people told me the same things. Everyone said I had to pick something grand—something that would make me feel like I was flying every single day. But you know what I learned?”

Sophie shook her head, curious now.

“A career isn’t always about feeling like you’re flying,” he said. “It’s more like brushing your teeth.”

Sophie blinked, confused. “Brushing your teeth?”

“Yes,” the old man chuckled. “You don’t wake up every morning excited to brush your teeth, do you? But you still do it. Some days, you might hum a little tune while you brush. Other days, you might rush through it. But no matter what, you brush your teeth because it makes you feel good afterward. It’s part of your routine, something that keeps you steady.”

Sophie thought about it. Brushing her teeth wasn’t fun, but she always felt better after doing it.

“Your career should be like that,” the old man continued. “It won’t always be thrilling, like while brushing some mornings, you look forward to the sunrise, and others, you’re rushing, sharing the washroom with your sibling, or feeling a little awkward brushing in a new city or a busy train station. Sometimes, it’s not fun. Sometimes, you’re careful because your gums are sore, or maybe there’s a cavity bothering you. Just like that, your career won’t always be rainbows and sprinkles. It won’t always feel perfect or exciting but it should be something that feels right. Something that brings you peace, not stress. When you think about it, what makes you feel calm and happy?”

Sophie stared down at her shoes. Playing the guitar always made her feel good. Even when she wasn’t in the best mood, strumming the strings helped her feel better, like a little part of her was back in place.

Just then, the bus pulled up. Its doors opened with a soft whoosh.

Sophie stood up and turned to the old man. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. “You’ll be just fine.”

Sophie got on the bus, her heart feeling a little lighter. As the bus rumbled along the road, the sky started to clear, and the sun peeked through the clouds.

When she got to school, Sophie walked straight to the office. With a deep breath, she signed up for the music major. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt just right—like brushing her teeth.

Hi everyone! I’m so grateful for the love you've shown my last story—thank you! Here’s another one for you.

Recently, during a conversation, I mentioned, “It ought to be like brushing your teeth,” and it resonated so well. It’s such a simple yet perfect example!

Looking forward to sharing more with you all soon. Until then, keep reading and keep writing!