The following morning...Clara stood in front of her bedroom mirror, smoothing the sleeves of a cream-colored blazer over a navy-blue blouse.
She took a deep breath. Then another. No matter how many times she reminded herself that this was only a visit… Her heart refused to believe it.
A soft knock sounded on the door. "Come in." Lily stepped inside carrying a pair of low-heeled shoes.
"I thought these might go better." Clara smiled. "I was thinking the same thing." Lily set them down and stepped back to admire her.
"You look beautiful." Clara laughed nervously. "I feel like I'm about to defend my final project all over again." Lily grinned. "You survived that." "You'll survive today."
Before Clara could answer, Margaret appeared behind Lily. "Are we all giving speeches before the actu
