CHAPTER 12

SIX LONG YEARS later...

ANNA

"And to welcome the best-graduating student and only female in her class who stayed steadfast until the end," The announcer called, "Anna Kylin, mother of twins and the valedictorian let's stand up and give a round of applause."

The hall erupted in loud applause as I stood and walked to the podium to give my speech. The speech that I had been preparing since I got the news that I was valedictorian. But I stood behind the podium and looked around, the speech I had prepared about moral values and integrity suddenly vanished from my head.

The crowd was invisible to me due to the blinding lights that shone against my face, but I could feel the presence of over 300 people. Amongst them were my beautiful children.

I heaved a sigh and for some reason, some of the crowd chuckled and applauded me. "Go, girl!" Someone called from the crowd and I smiled. It was probably Lorna.

Standing behind the podium and the travails of the past 6 years suddenly felt worth it.

Six