Thirty two

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* Pain is temporary, greatness lasts forever. *

***

------ Joseph. -------

Vera and I strode towards the school canteen, hand in hand as we've always done. Being among the first arrivers, we were able to seat at our favorite spot by the window.

We sat down at our designated spot after ordering. All the while, I noticed that Vera wasn't happy and I couldn't help but wonder why. Was it about the competition? But Vera wouldn't be so petty, or would she?

“ Are you okay? ” I held her hands, forcing her to make eye contact with me. “ I am. ” she said, though her eyes said the exact opposite.

“ You are not. ” I removed her fringe from her eye. “ Tell me what's wrong. “

“ I feel lost. ” she turned her eyes away from me, but I held her chin and brought her gaze towards me. “ I feel like I've disappointed you and everyone by my performance earlier. ” Her words came out slowly.

“ But you didn't. ”

“ Really? ”

“ You didn't get all the questions right, but you still got two