Chapter 15: Ursula's Optimization
Felicia frantically scrolled through comments on her video. A mix of heart emojis and supportive messages were interspersed with harsh criticisms and accusations of being "fake" and "attention-seeking." She clutched her mug, the steaming tea forgotten.
"Oh, come on!" she exclaimed, sighing and running a hand through her hair.
A notification popped up; it was Ursula, her grandmother, video-calling.
"Grandma Ursula, what's up?" Felicia asked.
Ursula's face appeared on the screen; she was surrounded by blinking lights and wires, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"My dearest Felicia, your little 'confession' has caused quite the stir!" Ursula announced.
"Stir is an understatement," Felicia replied. "Some people are actually mad that I admitted to having insecurities!"
Ursula chuckled. "The internet is a fickle beast, my dear. It devours authenticity and spits out artifice. But don't worry, I've got a plan." Ursula leaned closer to the screen, her eyes sparkling with a hint of manic energy.
"What kind of plan?" Felicia asked. "Because right now, all I want to do is delete my account and run away to a remote island with no internet."
"Oh, you don't want to do that, sweetheart. Think of the engagement!" Ursula winked, revealing a hidden array of buttons and switches behind her.
"Engagement? I'd rather have peace and quiet," Felicia said.
"My dear girl, negative attention is still attention! Besides, this gives us the perfect opportunity to refine the algorithms… for maximum impact, of course!" Ursula tapped rapidly on her keyboard, cryptic symbols flashing across the screen. Felicia watched, a mixture of apprehension and morbid curiosity etched on her face.
"Grandma, are you hacking the internet again?" Felicia inquired.
"Let's just say I'm optimizing the narrative," Ursula said, smiling mischievously. A mischievous glint appeared in Ursula's eyes as the screen cut to black.
Chapter 16: The Rainbow Brigade and the Glitterati
Sunlight streamed into Felicia's attic, illuminating colorful streamers and quirky decorations. Felicia sat at her computer, surrounded by plush T-Hugger toys. On the screen, a lively online forum was filled with arguments between two factions of her fan base – the "Rainbow Brigade" and the "Glitterati."
"Okay, T-Huggers, listen up! This is getting ridiculous!" she typed furiously, composing a message. The arguments on screen continued, escalating in intensity.
"Rainbow Brigade, Glitterati – you're both equally amazing, equally sparkly, and equally obsessed with my questionable fashion choices. Let's not forget that, alright?" She cleared her throat, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She clicked a button, initiating a live video stream.
"Hello, my beautiful, slightly bickering, but utterly adorable T-Huggers!" she greeted brightly. A flurry of comments appeared, a mixture of apologies and excited greetings. Felicia launched into a short, upbeat song.
"We're the T-Huggers, a family so bright, With rainbows and glitter, shining day and night! Though we disagree on shades of pink and blue, Our love for Felicia will see us through!"
The comments section exploded with hearts and supportive messages. The arguing ceased, replaced by a wave of apologies and shared laughter.
"See? Much better! Now, Glitterati, Rainbow Brigade – I've got a challenge for you both. Let's collaborate on a giant, collaborative hug-themed art project! I'm thinking a mosaic made from… glitter and rainbows," she said, winking at the camera. The comments section exploded with enthusiastic agreement.
"Exactly! Teamwork makes the dream work. And the internet less of a screaming match," Felicia beamed, satisfied. The screen showed a rapidly growing thread of users brainstorming ideas for the art project.