Episode 23

Mary and Luna, now twelve years old, stood on the threshold of a place that hummed with a different kind of magic. This wasn't just any studio; it was *the* music studio, the very heart of a sound that had filled their lives for years. The air vibrated with a low, resonant bass, and the scent of something clean and metallic mingled with a hint of expensive cologne. They clutched each other’s hands, a mixture of awe and nervous excitement bubbling within them.

The door swung open, revealing a space bathed in soft, ambient light. Instruments gleamed in polished perfection, cables snaked across the floor like colorful vines, and soundproofing panels lined the walls, absorbing every stray echo. And there, standing by a grand piano, was a figure they’d only ever seen on screens and posters. Justin Bieber, his signature quiff perfectly in place, turned with a warm smile. His eyes, familiar and kind, met theirs.

“Mary! Luna! So glad you could make it,” he said, his voice smooth and welcoming, just like they’d imagined. He gestured around the studio. “Welcome to my second home. Hope you like it.”