Chapter 19: The Picture I Was Promised
We returned to the Roen Tower as the sun almost set. Warm glow filled the lobby as we entered. Luc was standing in the middle of it as if she had been waiting for us the whole time since we left in the morning. Abe led the way as children followed him. They were visibly tired, but also looked like they’d had the best day of their lives. Luc then approached me with her floaty strides and informed me.
"There will be a short PR event. Just a quick photo session."
That made me instantly groan.
"Does it really have to be now?"
"The parents have been waiting."
Luc then turned her head, and as I followed her gaze I saw a large group of men and women being ushered to one side of the lobby by the staff. As children saw them, there were excited shouts of ’Mommy’ and ’Daddy’.
"I... did not want this to be a PR event. "I just wanted to make them happy..."
"Today is a special day for them. The parents are incredibly proud their children had been chosen. It wouldn’t hurt to allow them something to keep as a memory."
Luc’s explanation won me over, so I agreed.
"I see, let’s do it then."
We then walked over to where the parents were, but they were made to stand behind red velvet rope barriers. Some of them were waving to their children, while some stood with their hands clasped in front of their chest, as if this was as significant and proud moment for them as attending their children’s graduation.