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Mrs. Happiness Scott had returned to town. Her husband had gone back to Ireland, where he worked, and she had resumed her role at Salem Fashion Designing School. Life at the school was back to normal — filled with colorful fabrics, humming sewing machines, and the dreams of hopeful students.
That afternoon, Sonia was visiting Rejoice's house. As they sat in the room discussing the future, Sonia picked up her phone.
> "Let me just call Mrs. Happiness now," she said eagerly.
But Rejoice quickly stopped her.
> "Wait," she said. "Let's hold on until my dad gets home. I want him to be part of this."
Sonia raised an eyebrow.
> "Why wait? You already said he agreed. Let's just do it."
Rejoice shook her head gently.
> "It's not just about permission. I want him to be involved from the beginning. He's been supportive, and I want him to feel like he's part of this dream too."
Though Sonia didn't completely understand, she respected her friend's wish. To avoid boredom, she went into the living room and started watching a movie while Rejoice tidied up.
Later that evening, Rejoice's father returned home from work. He looked tired, as always, after another long day at the bank. For over a decade, he had worked as an accountant in one of the biggest banks in town, quietly providing for his daughter and building a life of peace and simplicity.
As soon as he sat down, Sonia and Rejoice approached him with smiles on their faces.
> "Daddy, Mrs. Happiness is back in town," Rejoice said. "We want to call her to talk about my admission into the fashion school."
He smiled, clearly pleased.
> "That's a good idea," he replied. "But let me take a bath, eat, and rest for a while. Then we'll call her together."
> "Alright, sir," Sonia nodded politely.
The two girls exchanged a glance and returned to the living room, hopeful and excited. A single phone call could be the beginning of Rejoice's dream — and they were determined to make it count.
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