Helanie:
I felt as if I'd grown wings. My heart swelled with pride and joy, a feeling so rare I couldn't recall the last time I'd felt this way. The moment Emmet announced I had achieved the highest scores in both tests, I jumped up and hugged Lucy, who had already run toward me, arms outstretched. Gavin quickly joined, and we all shared a group hug that felt like home.
I have never had friends before or someone who would celebrate with my victory. So it meant the world when those two cheered for me.
As I looked around, I saw Kaye clapping steadily, Emmet giving me a proud smile, but Maximus and Norman stood silently, their faces unreadable. Why couldn't they be happy for the candidate?
After we celebrated, the brothers left, while the rest of us headed back inside the shelter. The sisters didn't stick around, though; I wasn't sure where they went to spend their time, but I was relieved not to have to face them again.
