Page 338 of When a Soul Cries

Sol's laughter faded.

Her eyes moved toward the ribbon stretched across the entrance, and I felt the hand I was holding tighten around mine.

I saw her shoulders rise with a nervous breath.

I stepped closer, turning my body toward her so she had my full attention. "You good?"

She nodded, but her fingers tightened around mine. She looked toward the building again before answering.

"It's just... real now."

I smiled, rubbing my thumb slowly over her knuckles. "Been real."

"I know." Sol's voice softened as she looked at the building again. Her eyes traveled over the gold letters above the entrance, and when she spoke again, there was more emotion in her voice. "I just keep thinking about where I was."

I knew exactly what she meant.

I rubbed my thumb over the back of her hand. "Don't think about where you were."

Her eyes came back to mine.

I nodded toward the building behind her. "Look where you are."

Her lips trembled, and she sucked in a shaky breath like she was trying her hardest not to start crying again.

Zari stepped beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Don't start crying, bitch. Your makeup too cute," Zari said, squeezing her gently while making a face at her.

Sol laughed through the tears, turning her head toward her best friend. "That was beautiful, Zari."

Zari smiled proudly and patted Sol's shoulder. "I know. I'm gifted."

I shook my head at the two of them before leaning down and kissing Sol's temple.

"Go cut your ribbon," I murmured against her skin.

She took a breath, squared her shoulders, and nodded.

Then she walked toward it.

I stayed back with Halo in my arms, watching Sol move through the small crowd while Zari followed close beside her.

Sugga moved beside me, already wiping tears from her face with the tips of her fingers.

I glanced at her. "Ma."

She didn't even look at me. "Don't."

"You crying already?" I teased, watching another tear slide down her cheek.

"Roman, shut up." Sugga wiped at her face again, but she was smiling now.

I laughed softly.

She kept watching Sol, and after a moment, her expression changed. The teasing disappeared as pride settled over her face.

"I'm proud of that girl," she said quietly.