Yes! I made it!"
Sonia exclaimed, her hand covering her mouth as she stared at her phone in excitement. Her parents rushed into the room, their faces etched with worry, but their expressions transformed into relief as they took in the scene.
"What's going on?" they asked in unison.
Sonia's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Mum! Dad! I've been accepted into Litton High School!" Her mother squealed with joy, rushing over to envelop Sonia in a tight hug, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes.
Meanwhile, her father took a step back, his face clouded with a mix of emotions - perhaps a hint of regret or embarrassment.
Sonia's excitement with her mother slowly dissipated, and they couldn't help but wonder what had caused her father's sudden change in demeanor.
"What's wrong, Dad?" Sonia asked, concern creeping into her voice.
Her father looked up, his eyes welling up with tears. "I'm sorry, my child," he said, his voice cracking as he struggled to hold back his emotions. Before he could finish, he burst into tears, overwhelmed by his feelings.
Sonia and her mother immediately went to him, wrapping their arms around him in a warm hug.
"It's okay, Dad," Sonia said softly, trying to comfort him. Her mother stroked his back, asking,
"What's bothering you, dear?"
"I'm so sorry, Sonia," he cried, his voice shaking with regret. "I should have been a better father to you, provided more for you, been there more often... I'm so sorry I wasn't the father you deserved."
Sonia's expression softened, and she hugged him tighter. "Dad, it's okay. You're still here with me, and that's what matters. You can do better now, be there more for me now. That's all that counts."
Her mother nodded in agreement, adding gently,
"Dear, let's focus on the positive. We should be celebrating Sonia's admission to Litton High School. It's a prestigious school, and she's worked hard to get in. Let's be happy for her achievement."
Sonia's father slowly composed himself, the tears drying on his cheeks as he looked at his daughter with pride.
"You're right, dear. You're right. I'm sorry for ruining the moment. Congratulations, Sonia! I'm so proud of you! Litton High School is a fantastic opportunity for you."
Sonia smiled, hugging him again.
"Thanks, Dad. I couldn't have done it without your support."
Her mother smiled, relief washing over her face.
"Let's celebrate tonight! We'll cook your favorite dinner and make this a special day to remember."
Sonia's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing, Mum! Can we have ice cream for dessert?" She asked even though she knew they couldn't afford much expenses but to her surprise, her father chuckled, his eyes still red but sparkling with amusement.
"You want ice cream? We'll get you all the ice cream you want!"
"Thank you daddddyyy..." She stressed.
Sonia's face lit up with excitement as she thought of someone else she wanted to share the news with.
"Mum, Dad, I'd love to go see Emilee at the hospital and tell her the news in person. She's been such a huge support system for me, and I know she'd be thrilled to hear about my admission.
"Her parents exchanged a glance, and her mother nodded. "That's a lovely idea, dear. I'm sure Emilee would love to hear the news from you directly. We'll go with you to the hospital after dinner."
Sonia's face glowed with anticipation.
"Thank you, Mum! I know Emilee will be so happy for me. She's always believed in me, even when I doubted myself."
"Alright. Let's go together "
As they entered Emilee's hospital room, the antiseptic scent and soft beeping of machines created a familiar backdrop for their visit. Sonia's eyes lit up with excitement as she approached Emilee's bedside. Emilee, her face pale but radiant with a warm smile, reached out with a frail hand.
"Sonia! Oh, sweetie, come here!" Emilee's voice was weak but full of affection. Sonia gently took Emilee's hand, careful not to disturb the IV tubes or monitors.
"I have the most amazing news!" Sonia announced, hardly containing her enthusiasm. "I got accepted into Litton High School!"
Emilee's eyes sparkled like diamonds, and a delighted smile spread across her face.
"Congratulations,my baby!" Her voice cracked with emotion, and Sonia could see the pride shining through her tired eyes mixed with a kind of concern she couldn't fathom. She waved it off though.
Sonia beamed with pride, feeling grateful for her friend's unwavering support.
"Thanks, Emilee. You mean the world to me. You have sacrificed more than enough for me."
As they chatted, Sonia's parents stood back, observing the tender moment between the two friends.
As they talked, Emilee's eyes began to droop, her exhaustion evident despite her efforts to stay awake. Sonia noticed and gently squeezed her hand.
"It's okay, Emilee. You don't have to stay awake. I just wanted to share the news with you in person."
Emilee's smile faltered for a moment, but then she nodded weakly.
"I'm so happy for you, Sonia. You deserve it." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but Sonia heard the sincerity and love behind the words.
Sonia leaned forward, her voice filled with emotion.
"Thank you, Emilee. Your support means everything to me. I'll come visit you again soon, and we can celebrate together."
As they said their goodbyes, Sonia's parents stepped forward, exchanging gentle smiles with Emilee's parents, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the room. Sonia's mother whispered words of encouragement to Emilee, and her father placed a reassuring hand on Emilee's shoulder.
As they prepared to leave, Sonia leaned in close to Emilee and whispered,
"I'll bring your favorite cookies next time I visit, okay?" Emilee's eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile played on her lips.
"Chocolate chip?" she whispered back, her voice barely audible.
Sonia nodded, smiling. "Of course, chocolate chip. I'll bring a whole batch."
As they stepped out of the hospital room, Sonia felt a sense of peace wash over her. Sharing her news with Emilee had been a balm to her soul, and she knew their friendship was something special.
In the hospital corridor, Sonia's parents wrapped their arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug.
"We're so proud of you, Sonia," her mother whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "You've worked hard for this, and it's just the beginning of amazing things to come."
Sonia smiled, feeling grateful for having her family and friend back to her.