After the call ended, Shane gave one last look in the direction that Natalie had driven off. He then turned and walked slowly back to the hospital.
The following week flew by.
Natalie was thoroughly occupied. She went on multiple trips back and forth from her studio to the textile mill, too busy to even carve out any time to visit the hospital.
Amidst the fierce competition for admission into the Design Association, fourteen participants were eventually chosen. With the inclusion of Natalie and that despicable half-sister of hers, Jasmine, eight out of the sixteen participants altogether would ultimately be selected.
On the day of the competition, Joyce wheeled Stanley out of the hospital and over to the venue to cheer for Natalie.
“Come on, Natalie!” Ever the ardent supporter, Joyce waved at Natalie from behind Stanley’s wheelchair.
Stanley also radiated good cheer. “Nat, you’ll come out on top for sure!”
“Thank you, I’ll do my best,” Natalie said, nodding in appreciation. With their support still ringing in her ears, she strode towards the Design Association building.
Just as she entered, Natalie collided with another figure. It was Jasmine, who had been rushing in from another direction.
They froze simultaneously.
Natalie recovered herself first and glanced at Jasmine with a look of contempt.
She had resolved to continue on her way without much ado. However, Jasmine bellowed from behind Natalie, “Stop right there!”
Natalie halted. Looking at Jasmine in her wheelchair, she asked politely, “Yes?”
“I’m disabled, so you have to let me in first!” Jasmine said haughtily.
Natalie smiled wryly. “Jasmine, are you that set on arguing with me? Are we really going to squabble about who gets to go through the door first? You’ve really regressed.”
“So what? As long as I’m able to upset you, I will be happy,” Jasmine scoffed.
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