The next morning, Wee woke up bursting with excitement.
She quickly bathed, dressed, and prepared herself....because today was the day.
Today, she was finally leaving for The Gentle Heart Institute.
While Wee was still getting ready, Yen and Lamai arrived. Yen's eyes shimmered with tears, for this was the first time her daughter was going so far away from home.
Yen walked to her, pulled Wee into a warm embrace, kissed her forehead, and whispered softly:
"Wee… study with all your heart. And don't worry about your father. He will recover soon. He is already overjoyed that you're going to pursue photography. We all love you deeply, Wee."
Wee's heart overflowed with emotion.
She hugged Yen tightly, unable to hold back the tears in her eyes.
Her father had been hospitalized for some time, struggling with his digestion, yet he was still holding on, still smiling whenever Wee's name was mentioned. That thought made the moment even heavier.
Suddenly, a voice rang from behind.
Shibu.
He had taken leave from his hostel just to see off his elder sister.
The moment he arrived, he leapt onto Wee like a frog springing onto a branch.
The scene made both Yen and Lamai burst into laughter.
Yen then turned to Lamai, embraced her as well with the same motherly warmth, and gave her blessings.
At last, the moment had come.
Wee and Lamai picked up their bags, stepped outside, and saw the car waiting.....the very car that would take them to the place that could change their lives forever.
They turned, waved goodbye with smiles and tears mingling together, and climbed inside.
The engine roared to life.
The car rolled forward on its path.....
straight toward The Gentle Heart Institute.