Car Ride - 11:45 AM
The drive back to the penthouse was relaxed, almost peaceful. Emily sat with her award in her lap, running her fingers over the engraved crystal absently.
Ming Li bounced in her seat, unable to contain her excitement. "Sister Emily, you were so amazing! The way you spoke! So elegant! I want to be like that someday! Can you teach me?"
Emily smiled at the title Sister Emily. It was sweet, familial. "I can teach you. But Li, you already have your own strengths. You don't need to be like me."
"But you're so cool!" Ming Li insisted. "Everyone was staring at you like you were a princess or something!"
Timothy caught Emily's eye in the rearview mirror, a slight smile playing at his lips. If only Ming Li knew how close to the truth that observation was.
"People were staring because it was a ceremony in my honor," Emily said gently. "Next week, when I'm back in regular classes, nobody will stare. Life returns to normal."
