Chapter 17 - THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Autumn arrived in the city, painting the trees in brilliant shades of gold and amber.
It was a crisp Monday morning, and Lily stood in the front foyer of the Vance Estate, wearing a small navy-blue school uniform, a bright red backpack, and polished black shoes.
"Do I look like a real student, Dad?" Lily asked, twirling around with a big, gap-toothed grin.
David knelt down, adjusting her uniform collar with extreme care. "You look like the smartest student in the whole world, sweetie."
Eleanor rolled her wheelchair into the foyer, carrying a small, beautifully wrapped gift box tied with a gold ribbon.
"Before you catch the school bus, my darling," Eleanor said, handing the box to Lily. "A special gift for your first day."
Lily carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside lay a custom-made silver charm bracelet. Hanging from the center link was a tiny, intricately detailed silver charm in the shape of a knitted mitten with a tiny diamond snowflake at its center.
"It's so pretty!" Lily gasped, holding her wrist out for David to clasp the bracelet.
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"Whenever you feel nervous or scared at school," Eleanor whispered, taking Lily's small hand, "just touch that charm. It means your dad and I are always right there with you."
Lily threw her arms around Eleanor's neck, giving her a tight, warm hug. "I love you, Grandma!"
