Sara stepped into the newly built natatorium, a massive space gleaming with state-of-the-art swimming equipment. Her brows lifted in appreciation, lips curling upward. "This is some sick money they spent here," she murmured, taking in the impressive facility as she checked on the event preparations.
She was dressed in a sleek white jumpsuit, cinched at the waist with a drawstring. A hood draped down her back, and her thick-soled white shoes added to her effortless style. Her hair was braided beautifully on both sides, framing her face. As her gaze swept over the pool, she noted that the water wasn't too deep—a small comfort. While she didn't fear closed waters, her anxiety spiked when it came to open waters. Even so, she had no intention of ruining today's event with her personal struggle. Instead, she tactfully suggested that students be introduced to shallower areas first, masking her own reluctance to enter deeper waters.
"Miss Sara!"
She turned toward the voice and found a tall, striking woman approaching, clutching a handbag tightly. The woman beamed, her smile stretching from ear to ear as if thrilled to see her. But Sara didn't recognize her.
"Hi," she greeted, raising a hand in a hesitant wave.
The woman grabbed Sara's hand and shook it enthusiastically. "I am so glad to finally meet you in person! I'm Josline Jackel, Vice Principal of Kent Academy."
"Oh!" Sara's eyes widened in recognition, and she instantly returned the handshake with more enthusiasm. "Nice to meet you! I'm Sara Parker."
Josline chuckled. "Of course, I know who you are! I've been a huge fan—and still am. It's not every day you see a woman perform so extraordinarily in sports. You made us all proud."
Sara flushed at the praise. "Thank you so much."
"No need to thank me." Josline's eyes gleamed with admiration. "In fact, I should be thanking you. I personally requested that Mr. Jones appoint you as the event head."
Sara blinked. Boss never mentioned that little detail…
Josline continued, "I hope you'll inspire our students today. We have incredible talent here—diamonds in the rough. I know you can help them find their passion."
Sara felt her face heat up at the continuous praise, her head spinning slightly from the unexpected admiration. "I'll do my best," she promised.
Just then, Josline's phone rang. She sighed, looking a bit disappointed as she answered. "Yes, okay, I'll be there." Hanging up, she turned back to Sara with a slight pout.
"Oh, how I wish we could talk longer, but duty calls. Here, save my number—I already have yours. Let's grab coffee sometime."
With that, she waved happily and strode away, leaving Sara standing there, heart brimming with unexpected joy.
"Wow," she whispered, still feeling the warmth of the interaction.
The students sat packed in the stands, watching intently as the swimmers raced through the water. The event had taken on a professional feel, and to Sara's mild surprise, Mark had eagerly joined the demonstration after she had casually mentioned it in front of him. Now, as he cut through the water with smooth, practiced strokes, the students stared in awe.
Sara had been keeping a close watch on them, expecting them to be rowdy or entitled, given their elite backgrounds. But they were surprisingly disciplined, nothing like the spoiled, disrespectful image often associated with wealthy kids. The speech she had given at the beginning had been well received, and she had seen the excitement in their eyes—many looking eager to sign up for swimming classes sooner rather than later.
In the locker room, Sara unzipped her jumpsuit, revealing the sleek swimsuit beneath. Her toned, athletic body spoke of years of discipline and training. She had already secured her hair into a tight bun, slipping on her swim cap. Her goggles rested on her forehead.
As she adjusted her gear, she heard her name being announced. A roar of cheers followed. Her heart leaped into her throat.
Was I really that famous?
The intensity of the applause sent an odd chill down her spine. It was strangely familiar—eerily so. It reminded her of the roaring crowds in her dreams, the ones that jolted her awake in a sweat-soaked panic. For a brief moment, she felt lightheaded, unsure if she could pull this off.
Calm down, Sara! It's no big deal. Just swim like you always do. It's just a few hundred students watching. That doesn't change anything.
She tried to shake off the nerves, but they clung stubbornly to her.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Her head snapped toward the door.
"Is it time?" she exhaled, stretching her fingers in an attempt to ease the tension. "Come in."
The door creaked open, but at first, she saw no one—until she looked down.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Blue?"
A delighted giggle filled the air before a tiny figure dashed toward her. Instinctively, Sara crouched, catching the small body that flung itself into her arms.
"Hehe," Blue chuckled, wrapping her little arms around Sara's neck and swinging slightly.
"I found you!" she exclaimed happily.
Instinctively, Sara crouched down, catching her in a tight embrace as Blue threw herself into her arms. Sara held her close, wrapping her arms securely around the small frame.
"How—? I mean, why are you here? And—" she stammered, utterly speechless.
Blue pulled away slightly, flashing a bright smile. "You said you'd hug me four times a day! Today, you owe me a total of..." She held up her tiny fingers as if counting. "Sixteen hugs!" she declared cheerfully before launching into another hug.
Sara's mind flickered back to the note she had received back at the police station—
Scrawled in wobbly, childish handwriting, full of misspellings and oddly spaced letters, were the words:
"Four hugs."
A soft smile spread across Sara's lips. She buried her face into Blue's fragrant, expensive-smelling hair, taking in the comforting warmth of the little girl.
"How did you find me?" Sara asked gently.
"I saw you on the big, big poster when I came to school!" Blue beamed before pulling away. "Are you here to swim?"
"Yeah, I am!" Sara answered, her excitement contagious.
"Are you good at it?" Blue asked, tilting her head.
"The best!" Sara bragged with a grin.
"Really? I don't believe you!" Blue teased.
A staff member peeked through the door. "Miss Sara, the crowd is waiting."
Sara turned to Blue and smirked. "Let me show you just how good I am at swimming. After that, I'll leave it up to you. How about that?"
Blue's face lit up. "Sure! Come on!" She grabbed Sara's hand eagerly, then suddenly froze.
She turned her head toward Sara, then back at their joined hands, hesitation flickering in her wide blue eyes.
The abrupt pause confused Sara. "Are you not coming?" she asked, tightening her grip around the tiny hand.
Blue's gaze widened even more.
Something inside her shifted. She didn't let go of her hand.