Becky sat cross-legged on her bedroom floor, her laptop and scattered notebooks forgotten beside her. The golden crystal egg rested on her desk, glowing softly under the lamplight. She leaned closer, eyes wide as the shell began to crack—not with quiet little pops, but with sharp, ringing snaps that bounced off her walls. A sudden pulse of golden light shot out, brushing against her chest with a jolt. Becky winced and clutched her side.

Becky (gritting her teeth, then gasping): “Ow—what the…?”

The pain melted almost instantly into a strange, tingling warmth in her fingertips. She held her breath as the egg split open in a radiant shimmer. From the glowing shell emerged a tiny figure—Baby WordGirl, blinking up at her with wide, curious eyes that reflected the warm lamplight like stars.

Becky (softly, almost in awe): “…You’re real.”

Her hand trembled as she lowered it toward the tiny hero. Baby WordGirl reached out, glowing faintly, and touched Becky’s finger with the gentlest little squeeze.

Becky (smiling through the lingering ache): “Well, hey there, sparkle sprout. You gave me a shock, literally.”

The baby let out a soft, delighted giggle, her whole body pulsing with that same faint golden glow. Becky leaned back on her hands, grinning as she watched the little hero in awe.

Becky (more relaxed now): “Guess that means you’re ready for the big leagues already, huh? Cracked a crystal egg, zapped my ribs, and now you’re here to save the world… in style.”

She brushed a stray shard of golden shell from the baby’s hair and scooped her up carefully, cradling her like she’d been waiting for this moment her whole life.

Becky (whispering, almost to herself): “Don’t worry—I’ll help you learn the ropes. And maybe sneak in some ice cream along the way. Just… go easy on the zapping, okay?”

Baby WordGirl cooed, glowing brighter, and Becky laughed softly, letting herself sink back onto the carpet. The soft lamplight bounced off the walls, the room filled with golden sparkles and quiet magic.

Becky (grinning, her new little charge): “Yeah… this is gonna be something special.”