The Start

As Ella savored her breakfast, she could feel the excitement building up inside her. Today was the day she had been eagerly waiting for—the day of her graduation. She couldn't believe how quickly time had flown by, and now she was ready to step into a new phase of life.

As she finished her meal, Ella's mind started to wander to all the plans she had for the day. Graduation ceremony, celebrating with her friends, and visiting the NGO—her heart swelled with joy at the thought of spending time with her "babies" as she affectionately referred to the underprivileged children she loved to help.

After breakfast, Ella hurried to her room to get ready for the big day. Her wardrobe was full of vibrant colors, but today she had chosen her favorite all-black co-ord set. It made her feel confident and strong, ready to take on the world. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile, imagining how proud her parents would be as they watched her walk across the stage to receive her degree.

As Ella descended the stairs, she spotted her father at the dinner table, engrossed in the morning newspaper. With her characteristic toddler-like voice, she called out, "Daddy!" Her father looked up with a warm smile, instantly melting her heart. She ran towards him in small, excited steps, feeling like a child once again in her father's presence.

"Daddy, today is my graduation!" she announced with exuberance, hugging him tightly. Her father's eyes filled with pride as he responded, "Oh, my Ella baby, come here. Yes, I know, and I couldn't be prouder of you."

The breakfast table became a hub of happiness as Ella enjoyed her meal with her loving parents. Their support and understanding of her dreams meant the world to her. Her father's high-tech company had been a tempting offer for her to join, but Ella had always been adamant about following her own path. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those less fortunate.

Ella's passion for books and the arts had led her to pursue a degree in the National University of Arts in New York. Her creativity knew no bounds, and she spent countless hours in her room, painting and creating beautiful pieces of art. But beyond her love for the arts, it was her heart's calling to help those in need that truly defined her.

Her mother, Elizabeth James, had played a significant role in shaping Ella's compassionate nature. She had been a professor and a frequenter of NGOs herself before dedicating her time to being a devoted housewife. The values she instilled in Ella from a young age had left a lasting impression, and now Ella was determined to make her mother proud by continuing her legacy of kindness and generosity.

As Ella prepared to leave for her graduation ceremony, her parents' eyes sparkled with love and admiration. They knew that their daughter was destined for greatness, not in the material world of corporate success, but in the realm of compassion and philanthropy.

With a heart full of gratitude and determination, Ella stepped into the day that marked the beginning of her journey to make the world a better place—one act of kindness at a time. The sunlight continued to tenderly touch her face as she stepped out to embrace the world, her ocean-green eyes reflecting the hazel hues of her mother's unwavering support and her father's quiet pride.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the university campus, Ella and her best friend Tori were heading towards their graduation ceremony. Excitement and nerves intertwined within Ella's heart as she clutched her graduation cap and gown, ready to step into a new chapter of her life.

"Ella, can you believe we're finally graduating?" Tori exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy. "I know! It feels like just yesterday we were freshmen, and now we're about to receive our degrees," Ella replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

As they approached University Hall, where the ceremony would take place, Ella's hazel eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her parents. Her heart swelled with love and gratitude as she spotted them conversing with other parents, their smiles beaming with pride.

"Mommy, Daddy!" Ella and Tori chirped in unison as they reached their parents' side. "Congratulations, my dear," Ella's mother said, pulling her into a warm embrace. "We're so proud of you," her father added, patting her back affectionately.

With tears of joy welling up in her eyes, Ella hugged her parents tightly. "Thank you, Mom, Dad," she whispered, her heart overflowing with love for the two people who had supported her dreams unconditionally.

As the ceremony came to an end, Ella and Tori said their goodbyes to their friends, promising to keep in touch and cherish the memories they had created together. With smiles that masked the sadness of parting, they turned to their parents, ready to celebrate this momentous day.

"Mom, Dad, can we go to the NGO after this? I want to spend some time with the children," Ella asked, her compassionate nature shining through. Her parents exchanged a glance, their hearts swelling with pride at their daughter's kindness.

"Of course, sweetheart," her mother replied, a tender smile on her lips. "We'll go to the NGO, but first, let's celebrate your graduation properly."

As they made their way to the parking lot, Tori's father offered to take Ella's parents home, leaving Ella and Tori to go to the NGO together. With a playful grin, he handed the car keys to Tori. "You can take my car, and I'll drop Mr. and Mrs. James home," he said, winking at Ella.

Ella and Tori giggled, their friendship lighthearted and joyful. They hopped into the car, ready for the next adventure of the day. As they drove, Tori couldn't contain her curiosity about Ella's future plans.

"So, Ella, what are your plans after graduation?" Tori asked, glancing at her friend with excitement. Ella hummed thoughtfully before replying, "I want to pursue my passion for painting and writing. I want to create and share my art with the world."

Tori's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That's amazing, bestie! You're so talented, and I know you'll do great things," she praised, genuinely excited for her friend's future.

Blushing at the compliment, Ella couldn't help but feel grateful for Tori's unwavering support. "Thank you, Tori," she said with a shy smile. "And what about you? What are your plans after graduation?"

As the two friends chatted excitedly about their dreams and aspirations, Ella couldn't shake the feeling that this day was somehow significant, that something extraordinary was about to unfold. Little did she know that fate had a surprising encounter in store for her, one that would change the course of her life in ways she could never have imagined.

As they continued their journey, oblivious to the twist of destiny that awaited them, Ella and Tori's laughter filled the car, a testament to the unbreakable bond of friendship that would guide them through the joys and challenges of the days ahead. And little did Ella know that amidst the laughter and chatter, a mysterious stranger named Adam was about to enter her life, forever altering the trajectory of their stories.

As Ella dashed across the road, her heart was set on satisfying her sweet tooth at her favorite bakery. The enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air, and her excitement grew with every step she took. She was in her own world of blissful anticipation, completely unaware of the approaching danger.

Tori, still inside the car, watched Ella's exuberance with a mix of amusement and concern. "Ella, be careful!" she called out, her voice tinged with worry. But her words were drowned out by the bustling traffic around them.

As Ella reached the opposite side of the road, she turned back to see her friend's car stopped abruptly. "What now, Ella?" Tori exclaimed dramatically, wondering what had caught her best friend's attention.

With the biggest baby smile on her face, Ella pointed towards the bakery, her eyes shining with delight. "Stop!" she exclaimed loudly, not wanting to miss this opportunity for her favorite treats.

Tori couldn't help but laugh at Ella's infectious enthusiasm. "Alright, alright, you can go," she said, her soft smile betraying her amusement. "Let me park the car over there."

Ella didn't waste a moment; she rushed out of the car and dashed towards the bakery entrance, her excitement barely contained. As she approached the glass display filled with mouthwatering pastries, she felt like a child in a candy store.

Meanwhile, Tori had parked the car and made her way towards the bakery, intending to join Ella in picking out some delectable treats. But her joy turned to horror when she saw what her friend had failed to notice—a heavy truck speeding towards Ella from a distance.

In a split second, Tori's heart seemed to stop as panic washed over her. "Ella! Look out!" she screamed, her voice desperate and frantic. But it was too late. Ella, still blissfully unaware, turned towards the sound of her friend's voice, her face contorted in confusion.

As the truck approached, time seemed to slow down for Tori, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't hesitate for a moment; she sprinted towards Ella, praying that she would reach her in time.