The following day, Aurelia went to the prestigious halls of Pinnacle Ivy League School.
She reserved a quiet table in the campus cafeteria and invited Ramona to join her.
Ramona was petrified, her small frame shivering, her face as pale as a ghost.
She was certain Kane's mom had come to settle scores.
Aurelia approached, wrapping her arms around Ramona's shoulders. "Sweetheart, you must have been scared these past few days, right?"
Her voice was gentle like a mother's, devoid of any scolding tone.
At her words, tears immediately welled up in Ramona's eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Ms. Aurelia. I did something wrong. I never should have tried to hurt Kane. I didn't realize it was a superbug. I thought it was poison. I diluted it and got a little on my hand, thinking only a touch wouldn't be lethal, just enough to make Kane sick so I could explain myself to the kidnappers."
Aurelia gently stroked her hair. "Child, it isn't your fault. Those bad people are to blame. You're still a child. You shouldn't have to suffer like this."
Ramona couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears, her sobs heartbreaking and unstoppable, expressing all the pent-up injustice and fear she had been carrying.
These past days were too much for her to bear.
Aurelia soothed her, patting her back. How could such a little girl like her remain calm when she was alone in a foreign country and faced such horror? Even adults would be overwhelmed and lost in such circumstances.
"Honey, I've told you that your dad and William's father are good friends. Here in Elysium, we're your family. We're working on rescuing your parents, and we'll get them out."
Her words brought immense comfort to the child, who felt a sense of security in her warm embrace, something she had never experienced in this foreign land.
"Ms. Aurelia, I'll never hurt Kane or do anything like this again. I promise."
Aurelia cleaned her tears, replying gently. "I believe you, smart girl. You know what the right choice is."
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