June 8 2022

The sun was shining and Blossom & Bliss looked beautiful as always. The flowers were alive and well, Anne stood behind the counter, tying ribbons and sorting through fresh deliveries. The day was already shaping up to be busier than usual, Parents and friends were rushing to prepare for an event at Rayfield High, where Maya studied.

It wasn't just any school event though. The school was hosting its annual Cultural Exhibition, a huge event where students presented art, photography, music, and community projects. Parents, teachers, and even local officials were invited.

For Maya, the day was a big deal. She had worked for weeks on a visual presentation titled "People Who Protect Us" An art installation about real-life heroes in their community. She poured her heart into it, sketching portraits and writing stories inspired by people she admired. Anne had promised she wouldn't miss it and was really excited for the event.

She fastened the last ribbon around a bouquet and sighed in satisfaction before turning to Benjamin and Janhvi, who were sorting new flower stock in the back.

Anne: Alright, I'll head to the school and won't be back for a while. You two can manage till noon, right?

Benjamin: *Grins* Of course, We survived Valentine's week, This'll be a walk in the park.

Janhvi: *Smirks* Indeed we do, We definitely won't cause any trouble.

Anne: *Chuckles* Should I believe that?

They shared a laugh together as Anne took her handbag and was about to walk away and leave until Benjamin stopped her, clearing his throat.

Benjamin: Um Anne, I wanted to tell you something.

Anne: Yes?

Benjamin: Maya stopped by yesterday. . .

Anne raised an eyebrow and looked at him with confusion and took a step towards him.

Anne: Yesterday? Why didn't you tell me?

Benjamin: It was after lunch break, She asked me to wrap a bouquet for her.

Anne: A bouquet? For what occasion?

Benjamin: Didn't say. Just that it was for someone important. She chose the sunflower, Simple and elegant.

Anne: And. . . she said who it was for?

Benjamin: Yeah. . . She wanted me to add a tag. Said to write the name "Charlie"

Her heart dropped when she heard his name and the room suddenly felt quiet, Janhvi looked at Benjamin and he looked at her back as Winters stared quietly.

Anne: Charlie. Are you sure?

Benjamin: Yeah. That's all she said.

Anne took a deep breath quietly, fingers tightening on the bag, Janhvi noticed the shift in her face, not anger, not shock exactly, but something quieter. Benjamin was silent and noticed the tension in the room, Both of them were a little confused.

Benjamin: I thought you knew, I'm sorr-

Anne: No it's okay, I'll ask her after the event.

Janhvi: Um. . . Maybe it's nothing serious, Anne. Could be just part of her project or something

She quietly nodded and stared at the ground as Benjamin and Janhvi looked at each other, a little worried.

Benjamin: You uh. . . Seem upset.

Anne: I'm not.

Her thoughts were already spinning. Maya never mentioned it, and that wasn't like her. But she didn't let her irritation show.

Anne: *Smiles a little* Like I said, I'll ask her later on. . . You two take care of the shop. I'll be back after the event.

Benjamin: Don't worry. We'll handle everything

Janhvi: Take care, Anne. And let us know what happens.

She smiled, nodding before leaving the shop as Benjamin and Janhvi had a smile on their faces. Anne walked out of the shop, There was calm on her face, but somewhere underneath it, she was wondering why her daughter would send flowers to Charlie of all people. . .

She walked to her car, taking a deep breath before messaging Anya and started the car. She was going to pick Anya up and head to the school afterwards.

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Sometime later, Anne and Anya made it to the school where there was several cars parked, She found a space to park the car as Anya was sitting by the backseat and realised they finally reach the school as she cheered in excitement.

Anya: I'm so excited for this!

Anne: *Smiles* Me too.

Anya: *Grins* Hey, Do you think a famous celebrity might show up?

Anne: *Laughs* Who knows, Who are you expecting?

Anya: Hmmmm. . . Maybe Robert Downey Jr? Angelina Jolie?

Anne: *Laughs* Oh, sweetheart, this isn't Hollywood.

Anya: You never know, Mom! Maybe they invited someone super famous. What if it's a surprise?

Anne: If it is, I'll make sure you don't faint before meeting them.

Anya: *Gasps* Hey! I'd be totally calm and composed

Both of them shared a laugh and got out of the car and made their way towards the school. Colorful banners waved from every corner. Tables lined with posters, crafts, and handmade models on display, Parents were walking in, greeting the teachers as one of the teachers greeted Anne and Anya. They smiled, greeting back and continued looking around the school as Anya had a smile on her face.

Anya: This is so cool! I miss these school events.

Anne: *Smiles* It hasn't been that long since you finished high school, honey.

Anya: Still counts. I feel nostalgic already

They laughed as the school grounds were full of joy and chattering, Students in uniforms setting up displays, banners fluttering, the sound of music testing from the auditorium speakers. Anne couldn't help but smile before making her way to the gym.

Later on, They arrived at the gym and saw chairs lined up, Anne and Anya took their seats as other friends and family members took their seats, There was slight chattering around the room as Anne looked around the crowd until she saw Maya standing with a couple of other students as Winters had a huge smile on her face.

Anya: *Gasps and smiles* Mom, Look who it is!

She looked around, wondering who Maya was talking about until she saw someone talking to the teachers and principal while laughing a little, Anne felt her heart drop and her chest tightened for a moment.

Her eyes lit up and stared at him quietly. She bit her lip and looked at the other way and Anya noticed her and frowned.

Anya: Um are you okay, Mom?

Anne: *Smiles* I'm fine.

She forced a smile and looked around, Whereever she goes, They always seem to meet.

Thrity minutes has passed and students were presenting their projects and speeches, Everyone listened intently while parents of those children's were proud and happy for their kids. Charlie was seen smiling at students as he got up, greeting each of them as Anne watched him quietly.

He took his seat and looked at Alex who was standing behind him, watching the students as Charlie smiled and looked at the people in front of him, Finally next up was Maya as the announcer called her. The commissioner looked at Maya who walked in with a huge smile on her face, He couldn't help but smile back. He knew Anne was here, But he couldn't find her.

Maya: Good morning, everyone. My name is Maya Winters, and my project is called "People Who Protect Us"

Her voice was soft, but filled with a kind of warmth that made people lean in.

Maya: When I first thought about what it means to "protect" I didn't think only about police or firefighters or soldiers. I thought about people who carry responsibilities even when it's hard for people who have to make choices that others don't always understand.

Anne couldn't help but smile a little while Charlie stared at Maya, listening intently.

Maya: Sometimes, those people are misunderstood. But they still wake up every day and try again, Because protecting others doesn't always mean being perfect. It just means caring enough to keep going.

Maya continued her speech while presenting her portraits and sketches as everyone was impressed, Anne and Anya couldn't help but smile during the whole presentation as Maya continued speaking and showing the portraits, including her opinions.

Charlie listened to her, a smile grew on his face, It went on for another few minutes before Maya turned around, looking at him before confused Charlie for a moment.

Maya: *Smiles* And I have another example of the ones who protect us, Our beloved commissioner Charlie Singh. I'm so glad you attended this event.

Charlie looked shocked while Anne's eyes were widen and continued watching this.

Maya: A few weeks ago, my sister Anya was in danger, It was one of the scariest moments of my life even when I wasn't part of the situation. . . I couldn't believe that we were so close to losing her. . . But then he saved her.

Charlie blinked as soft murmurs spread across the hall. Maya smiled faintly and continued speaking.

Maya: He didn't just save my sister that day. He saved my mom, too, Because if anything had happened to Anya. . . I don't know if she could've handled losing another piece of her heart.

Her voice softened and swallowed as Anne stared in shock and felt her throat tightened, Anya looked at her and held her hand as Charlie's face softened and stared at her.

Maya: When my mom was twenty, life didn't go easy on her. While most people her age were still figuring things out, she was already fighting to build a home for me and my sister. She worked day and night, never complained, and never gave up, even when it felt like the whole world was against her. . .

Anne teared up as Anya gently squeezed her hand while Charlie's heart was racing.

Maya: We never saw our fathers, but. . . we never felt like we were missing anything. Because mom was our everything and I know me and my sister are her whole life.

Maya: So thank you, Commissioner. For being there. For showing us that protecting others isn't just a duty, It's a choice made with heart.

He smiled faintly and looked at the crowd before looking back at her.

Maya: So. . . This project, this speech, it's dedicated to all the protectors out there, the ones who never stop trying, even when nobody notices. And especially to you, Mom. For everything

The hall was silent in a heartbeat, then applause erupted, warm and emotional. Teachers clapped, parents smiled, and even a few students wiped their eyes.

Anne looked down, pretending to fix her hair, blinking quickly as tears threatened to fall. Anya rested her head on her mother's shoulder. Smiling at her sister before both of them started clapping.

Charlie sat frozen, watching Maya, his throat heavy and his heart full as he shakes his head, Maya turned around, facing the commissioner with a smile on his face, He looked at her before smiling and clapped for her

Charlie: Thank you for your beautiful speech, Miss Winters.

Maya had a huge smile on her face as Singh got up from his seat, Winters ran into his arms and hugged him as Charlie felt his heart skip a beat and stood for a few seconds before hugging her back.

Anne stared at both of them quietly, For the first time, She didn't feel angry like she used too. . . She felt a quiet understanding.

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After the presentation was over, Students and family members were seen leaving the school now that the event was over. Anne was talking to the teachers as they spoke about Maya's speech and how they admired it. Winters thanked them as the teachers walked away, Anne noticed Anya and Maya weren't around as she went out to look for them.

That's when she stopped and noticed they were speaking to Charlie, He cracked a joke which made both of them laugh but Anne watched him, her eyes narrowing. . . Before softening.

She approached them as Maya and Anya smiled at her, Charlie looked at her awkwardly before smiling a little.

Anne: There you two are, I was starting to think you ran off with the commissioner.

Anya: We were just talking, Mom! He was telling us about how he almost tripped when he was interrogating someone.

Charlie Ah, very heroic moment of mine. Whole department still teases me.

Anne smirked a little, glancing at him before looking at her daughters.

Anne: That's interesting, Coming from a commissioner.

Maya: Right, We should get going now, Mom. I'm feeling hungry.

Anne: Go on, I'll follow you.

The girls nodded and walked off as Charlie and Anne stood in the hallway as the noise of other parents faded, the air suddenly heavier between them.

Charlie: She's amazing, Anne. What she said back there, It really got to me. You should be proud.

Anne: I am. She worked really hard on that speech.

Charlie: I. . . didn't know she was gonna mention me. If I did, I wouldn't have-

Anne: it's okay, She admires who does the good.

Both of them were silent for a moment as he was staring at her, admiring her. . . Anne wasn't looking at him but she glanced a few times. Suddenly Anya walked in as both of them looked at her.

Anya: Uhh sorry, Are you coming?

Anne: Of course. *Looks at Charlie* See you later.

Charlie: Uh. . . Bye.

Anne walked away as Anya had a smile on her face and waved at him, He smiled at his daughter and waved back before saluting her.

She laughed and did the same as Anne watched both of them and felt her heart racing. . .

She almost cracked a smile at the sight of them.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)