Pandora had no idea what Queenie had been through over the years. She didn't realize that her words had touched a sore spot.
Queenie managed a small smile. "When I left the country, I lost touch with my husband and child."
"I went abroad and worked on my own. After making some money, the first thing I did was come back to search for them, but I never found them."
Pandora let out a sigh. After everything they'd all survived, just making it through those days was already something to be grateful for.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly, not really sure what else she could offer.
Queenie's smile softened, a calm acceptance in her eyes. "It's alright. At first, I just wanted to find out if they were still alive before I died. That was enough for me.”
"But now, seeing an old friend... somehow it feels like finding them isn't so important anymore."
"If we're meant to meet, we will. Just like us now. Sometimes things really do happen for a reason."
“I ended up adopting a child later on. He's helping me with my businesses these days, so I finally have some time to myself."
"You've really been through a lot all these years, Queenie,” Pandora said, memories flickering of the carefree girl Queenie used to be.
She looked at the woman in front of her, eyes marked by everything she'd lived through. It was hard to even connect the two images in her mind.
"Pandora, I'm so glad we got to meet again. Has your granddaughter come out yet? Let's go eat something together."
Pandora didn't even hesitate. "Let's wait a little longer. She should be out any minute now."
Almost on cue, Claire appeared, stepping out even before the bell had rung to mark the end of the college entrance exam.
She was always quick with her answers. That alone had everyone else in the testing room feeling a bit on edge.
No sooner had Claire left the exam hall than a group of reporters rushed over, snapping photos like crazy. Claire was just about to say hi to her grandma when she found herself surrounded.
"Claire, do you feel good about today's exam? We heard you already received an offer from The Cabinda University. Did you take the test just to go for top honors?"
“Claire, which subject did you think was the toughest this time?”
"If you gave up your guaranteed spot and didn't get into The Cabinda University, what would you do?"
Questions came at her from all directions. Claire answered a few politely with a smile before gently making her way through the crowd and over to Pandora.
Pandora took a bouquet from Jenny and handed it to Claire herself. "Congratulations, Claire."
Claire accepted the flowers and smiled. "Thank you, Grandma."
Jenny wrapped her up in a big hug. "Claire, you're incredible. You're always the first one to leave the exam room."
Claire just laughed a little. "Thanks for the compliment."
Queenie looked over at Claire and smiled. "This must be your granddaughter. She's beautiful."
Pandora beamed. "Yes, she really is my granddaughter."
"Come here, Claire," Pandora said, waving her over for an introduction. "This is a
friend of mine from when I was young. Just call her Queenie."
Claire already recognized Queenie—not in real life, but from a photo.
Silverpeak International College was her school, and Queenie was the founder. Her portrait was all over the school's bulletin boards.
Even now, with a few more years added, Claire could still see the resemblance.
“Hi, Queenie,” Claire greeted her naturally.
Inside, she couldn't help but think how amazing her grandmother was. Eventer friends were people you d only read about-famous in all kinds of industries.
Queenie was more than a
successful entrepreneur. She'd
donated money and supplies children in some of the poorest areas in Solenia, building schools and helping students get ano education.
She really was a philanthropist in every sense.
Claire greeted her with genuine respect. This was a woman anyone would look up
to.
"You're such a good girl," Queenie
said with a warm smile, and without
a second thought, slipp
ajade
bracelet off her own wrist and onto
Claire's.
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