the love coach

The camera's light flashed red. Ella straightened her posture. Grinned as if she were speaking to a beloved person. “Hello dear ones " she greeted her tone gently and tenderly. "It’s your girl, Ella, the Love Coach. Today we’ll discuss how to determine if someone genuinely loves you.” Her voice was vibrant and lively. Her eyes revealed a different truth. She was exhausted. She had repeated that phrase several times until it lost its meaning. Her compact office appeared lovely on camera. Illuminated by white lights featuring a floral wall behind her and furnished with two plush chairs. However, away from the camera the space seemed silent, vacant. Her closest companion, Tina, was seated on the side of the room clutching her phone. She consistently supported during recordings assisting with audio and feedback. “Keep in mind " Ella went on "true love isn’t defined by words. It’s shown through actions. When someone loves you their deeds will reveal it, not their speech.” She grinned more gazing directly at the camera. "Keep spreading love, stay authentic. Catch you in my episode!” The camera's light switched off. In an instant her radiant smile vanished. Ella reclined in her chair. Exhaled heavily. Her shoulders sagged as if a balloon was deflating. Tina glanced away from her phone. "You nailed it more, babe. Your audience is going to enjoy that.” Ella let out a chuckle, the sort that didn’t seem joyful. "Yeah maybe.” Tina scowled. "What’s the issue this time? You’ve been behaving strangely after each video these days.” “It’s nothing, " Ella replied, fidgeting with her hair. "I’m just not sure if I trust what I’m saying anymore.” Tina straightened. "Are you talking about love?” Ella nodded quietly. "Yeah. I tell folks love exists. I’m not sure if that’s true anymore.” A few seconds passed in silence. The sole noise originated from the little fan turning, in the corner. At last Tina spoke, "You’re still clinging to Kola. The truth is, you haven’t recovered.” Ella averted her gaze. That name consistently struck her like a blow. Kola. The guy who convinced her that forever was real and then shattered her heart as if it was worthless. “I prefer not to discuss him, " she murmured softly. Tina stepped nearer. "You’ll need to someday. You can’t instruct others about love if your own heart remains concealed from it.” Ella offered a smile. "Perhaps.. I have moved forward. I’m okay.” Tina crossed her arms. "Of course. You mention that weekly. Every time his name is brought up your expression shifts.” Ella gave a laugh shaking her head. "Alright maybe I haven’t completely gotten over it.. I’m making an effort Tina. Truly I am.” She glanced more around her studio. The vivid pink lights, the camera tripod the posters reading ‘Love Wins’. Follow Your Heart.’ Everything appeared flawless.. It wasn’t her true reality. While the camera was recording she appeared self-assured, cheerful and brimming with guidance. However once it stopped she was simply Ella. A woman uncertain of what love truly meant now. Her phone vibrated. She grabbed it. Noticed a note from one of her followers: “Coach Ella, your recent video transformed my life. My boyfriend. I have reunited. Thank you!” Ella gave a smile. "You see? I’m able to assist everyone but not myself.” Tina. I stood next to her. "Perhaps your personal love story hasn’t begun yet. Maybe it’s simply awaiting the moment.” Ella shot her a sideways glance and chuckled. "Tina, come on. Love doesn’t simply show up in your life like that.” Tina shrugged. "You can’t be sure. Occasionally love arrives when you least expect it.” Ella gave an eye-roll. "It should definitely come with a caution before it shows up at my door.” Tina chuckled. "Or perhaps it won’t knock. It could simply come in.” They both chuckled. Beneath the surface Ella doubted her friend’s words. She had already shut that door for good. After Tina departed that night Ella remained by herself in the studio. The city lights glimmering outside the window made her reflect on all the people there falling in love. Clasping hands, grinning, snapping photos. She rested her head against the wall. Murmured, “Perhaps I’m simply not cut out for love.” She then rose, took hold of her camera to put it away for the evening. And, at once it ceased to function. The red indicator flashed before going dark. “Oh no not more " she moaned. She attempted to power it up, jolted it and pushed the keys yet none of it had any effect. She let out a sigh as she grabbed her phone to contact a repair service. Perhaps they might dispatch someone by tomorrow. While she was typing she had no idea that the individual was arriving to repair her camera… was the individual meant to heal her soul.