PREPARATIONS
Vera sat on the edge of her bed with the flyer still in her hands. She had read it so many times now that she didn't even need to look at it anymore. Still, her fingers traced the bold letters like she was afraid they might disappear if she stopped…Sterling Heights Academy.A small smile slipped onto her lips."I got in…" she whispered. "I actually got in." She let out a quiet breath, then suddenly stood up, pacing the tiny room like she didn't know what to do with herself. "I'm going to school," she said again, this time a little louder. "A real school… boarding school…" Her heart skipped."…Dylan's school."She paused for a second, everything felt still. Then she shook her head quickly, like she had said too much out loud."Don't think about that," she muttered. "Just… focus." But she couldn't stop smiling.The next few days felt strange, nothing had changed. And yet… everything had. She still woke up before sunrise, still scrubbed floors, still cooked, cleaned, washed, and still kept her head down.But inside? Inside, something was different. Now and then, her hand would slip into her pocket, touching the folded flyer just to make sure it was still there.Sometimes, when no one was looking, she would take it out and stare at it for a few seconds. Then quickly hide it again like a secret.Then one afternoon, the phone rang. Vera froze. She knew that number. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked it up."Hello…?" "Vera," the familiar voice came, warm and calm. "It's me." Her face lit up instantly. "Yes, ma'am!" "I'll be coming to your house in a few days," the woman continued. "I'll bring everything you'll need for school."Vera's breath caught. Everything?Her throat tightened. "Thank you… thank you so much," she said quickly, almost tripping over her words. "My address is—" She gave it quickly, her heart racing. After the call ended, she just stood there staring at nothing. Then suddenly—"Oh my God…" she whispered, covering her mouth. It wasn't just a dream anymore. It was happening.Telling her aunt was the hardest part and she had planned it carefully. She told herself, Wait until everything is already set. Until there was nothing her aunt could do. Still… her heart pounded as she stood in the kitchen that evening."Aunt…" she started quietly. Mrs. Williams didn't look up. "What?" "There's… someone coming," Vera said slowly. "About school."That got her attention. Her aunt turned sharply. "What do you mean?" Vera swallowed. "I got a scholarship. To Sterling Heights. She's coming to bring the things I need." There was Silence."What?" her aunt snapped. Vera didn't flinch. "She's coming in a few days."Her aunt's eyes narrowed. "And you're just telling me now?" Vera said nothing. "You think you're clever?" she continued, her voice sharp. "Hiding things from me?" "I just… wanted to be sure," Vera said softly. Her aunt scoffed, muttering under her breath. But she didn't stop it. And that was all Vera needed.The day came quietly. A car pulled up outside. Smooth and shiny, Different from anything on their street. Vera's heart started racing immediately. She stepped outside just as the woman got out, carrying bags neatly packed."Vera," she said with a warm smile. Vera rushed forward. "Ma'am!" "Careful," the woman chuckled softly. "Let's go inside."Everything felt unreal, The woman greeted Mrs. Williams warmly and told her about her encounter with Vera and the fact that she wasn't going to school made her concerned and she decided to offer her a scholarship at Sterling Heights Academy. Mrs. Williams with a fake smile nodded and with a forged tone replied "Oh, really, that's very kind of you" She said trying to hide her jealousy. Uniforms were laid out neatly, Shoes, Books, Pens…Vera touched everything like she couldn't believe it belonged to her. "This is… all mine?" she asked quietly. "Yes," the woman replied. "Everything is ready. Your hostel has been arranged and you will resume next week."Vera's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't even know how to—" "Just do well," the woman said gently. "That's enough." Vera nodded quickly. "I will. I promise."Beside her, she could feel her aunt's stare. Cold and Sharp. But for once… it didn't matter. Not today.As soon as the woman left, Vera didn't stay. She couldn't. She ran straight to the café to greet Lina."Lina!" Lina looked up immediately. "What—why are you smiling like that?" Vera laughed, breathless. "It's real!" "What is?" "My school! Everything is ready…I'm starting next week!" Lina blinked. "Really, that's great, I'm so happy for you my dear friend" "Vera laughed softly. "I know… I still can't believe it."Then Lina's expression softened a little. "I'm going to miss you, you know." Vera's smile faded slightly. "I'll miss you too." They stood there for a moment. Then Lina suddenly clapped her hands."Okay, no sad faces. We still have time. Tomorrow, we go shopping." Vera blinked. "Shopping?" "Yes!" Lina grinned. "You can't go to boarding school like this. You need proper things." Vera laughed. "I have some money saved…" "Good. We're using it."The next day felt… normal, in a good way. They moved through the market together. Lina is picking things, arguing over prices, and laughing. "Take this," Lina said, tossing something into the bag. "Do I need that?" Vera asked. "Yes," Lina replied immediately. "Trust me."For once, Vera didn't think about chores, or fear Or going home. She just… enjoyed it.That night, she sat on her bed again. But this time, the room felt different. Her things were packed neatly in preparation for next week already. Uniforms folded carefully and Everything in place.She looked at it all quietly."Finally…" she whispered. Then her hand reached under her pillow and took out the red box. She opened it slowly. The bracelet.She held it gently."…I'm going somewhere," she murmured. "Somewhere better. Her voice softened. "…maybe I'll see you again." She didn't say his name, She didn't need to. She already knew.Vera lay down slowly, the bracelet still in her hand. For the first time in years…she wasn't afraid of tomorrow. And somewhere deep in her heart, hope began to grow again.