"Oh. I'm perfectly fine. Just the air outside. I think I'm getting allergies."
"Oh, I see. Is there anything I can do to help with those?"
"Not really. I'll just be on my way home."
"Well, that's fine."
Nora chewed on her lip, looking worried.
"Are you sure you're okay? You look like you really have a lot to say."
"I'm perfectly okay. I'm cool. My dad invited you over to celebrate my good results. He said to come over."
"Oh, that's wonderful. I would be delighted. We can take my driver and maybe stop at an ice cream shop to relieve this thing on your mind that you don't want to talk about."
Nora gave a wide smile, and they walked hand in hand together outside.
"By the way, did you finally see your results?" Nora asked.
"I did. Top score in the whole region. I was on the excellent board."
Nora paused on the road, looking at Alice gobsmacked, then she started to scream.
"Oh my goodness, Alice. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you," she said, pulling her into a hug.
