On a particularly bright blue day in Colorado Springs, Betty held Iris tightly as they laid Adele to rest at Crystal Valley Cemetery. A heart-shaped gravestone inscribed with the words "Always be with you" was placed in memory of Adele.
Iris was adopted and lovingly raised by the Moore couple. Betty honored her promise to Adele by carefully concealing the existence of Iris's biological mother and nurturing Iris as if she were her own daughter. Iris's brothers embraced her with warmth, allowing her to enjoy a happy childhood.
From spring to autumn, she played in the stunning natural beauty of Colorado Springs, and when winter arrived, the home was filled with the festive spirit of Christmas decorations.
Her devoted stepfather prayed every night for Iris to grow up as an ordinary child among her brothers. She thrived in good health, rarely fell ill, and was not only more intelligent than her older brothers but also possessed a warm heart.
As Iris entered elementary school, she gradually became aware of her exceptional intelligence and physical abilities compared to her peers. She excelled academically and in sports, though she often felt the sharp glances of envy from those around her.
***
One day, Betty quietly sat beside Iris, who wore a gloomy expression in the living room.
"My daughter, you don't seem happy today. Is there something on your mind that I can help you with?"
"Mom, I think my friends are envious of me. It feels like they're whispering about my grades behind my back."
"That's not your fault. They're not hating you; they're probably just envious."
"Wouldn't it be better to take the initiative and talk to them kindly instead of worrying?"
"Okay, Mom!"
"Actually, I have some good news. Well, it's bad news for me, but good for you..."
"What do you mean...?"
Betty handed Iris an envelope. It was the early admission acceptance letter from the Colorado School of Mines, which she had applied to a month earlier.
"Really?" Iris exclaimed, her face lighting up with a big smile.
"But I'm sad... If you go to the dorm, who will I chat and play with?"
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be right by your side every weekend."
***
Iris soon entered a science gifted high school located in Golden, Denver, where she met new friends amid a bustling cityscape that was a stark contrast to the serene Garden of the Gods.
There, she began to make genuine connections with those around her without hiding her abilities. During this time, she grew closer to a classmate, Liam Hammond. Unlike Iris, Liam was a quiet and introverted student, but to her, he appeared rather attractive.