The workshop quieted as the sun dipped low, orange light spilling through the dusty windows. Mei sat on a stool, rubbing the sore muscles in her arm after another long day of practice. Her gloves were tossed aside, her welding mask resting on the bench beside her.
Uncle Jian set down his tools, his expression softer than usual. He leaned against the worktable, watching her in silence for a moment before speaking.
"Mei," he began slowly, "I have to ask you something."
She blinked up at him. "What is it, Uncle?"
He folded his arms. "Why? Why pour so much of yourself into this cosplay thing? You've worked harder here than I've ever seen you work in your office job, in your school years, even in the kitchen when you used to help your mother."
Mei lowered her gaze, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve. She knew the question would come someday.
"It's not just about dressing up," she said quietly.
"Then what is it?"
She hesitated, her throat tightening. "When I cosplay, I feel… free. I'm not just Mei, the ordinary girl who files papers all day. I get to become someone strong, someone fearless. Someone… who isn't afraid to take up space."
Her uncle's eyes softened, but he didn't interrupt.
Mei continued, her voice trembling. "All my life, I've been told to be quiet, to not draw attention. At work, I'm just another face. Even in my circle of friends, I'm the one in the background. But when I put on a costume I made with my own hands…" She clenched her fists. "I finally feel like I matter. Like I'm creating a version of myself I've always wanted to be."
Silence filled the workshop, broken only by the faint hum of cooling metal.
Uncle Jian sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "I see. It's not about costumes. It's about finding yourself."
Mei nodded, tears threatening to spill. "Cosplay is the only place I don't feel small."
For a long moment, Jian just looked at her—his stubborn niece who once ran from drills and dirt, now chasing fire with bare determination. Then, quietly, he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Then I'll help you," he said firmly. "Not just because you're family, but because I want you to see yourself the way I see you now—strong, brave, and anything but small."
Mei's chest tightened. She smiled through the blur of tears. "Thank you, Uncle."
The workshop was quiet again, but the silence felt different—warmer, steadier. For Mei, it wasn't just about sparks or steel anymore. It was about becoming someone who could shine.