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Agnes walked out of the exam hall with a smile on her face. Not only was she done with the semester, she believed that she'd aced it as well. Every question presented on the sheet, she had a descript answer to. 

With a bounce in her step, she retrived her bag pack from the station of the watch guard, signing out. 

Relief was only one of the myriad of emotions she experienced at that moment. Excitement, anxiousness and nervousness being the most dominant among all and with good reason. 

A month ago, few days to the exams, she'd been promised by a generous stranger– who'd always come to patronize her mother's business – that he'd help her in acquiring a skill. He had told her that he'd handle all expenses and only looked forward to her progress because she'd sparked his admiration. 

On getting home, Agnes decides to take a stroll to rid herself any internal baggage so she can absorb every form of positivity. Of course, she shouldn't be so excited at the promise of a practical stranger but she couldn't help it. For the first time in a while, she thought she saw a ray of hope. She'd learn and then hone this skill till she became excellent at it. 

Getting to a familiar field, she sits on the prim grass, watching the sun set in the horizon. The dark orange colors making her grin wider. 

"I knew you'd be here. I just left your place." 

Agnes turns to Sarah, the source of her distraction. She never thrived in the company of others but for some reason, she was glad Sarah was there. 

"I just came to watch the sunset. What were you looking for me for?" Agnes said just as Sarah sat beside her, watching the sky as well. 

"To ask how the final paper went and I was bored." 

Agnes chuckled at the obvious answer. She and Sarah weren't the best of friends but they did spend time together. Mostly because, Sarah seemed to be the only one to put up with her and wouldn't take no for an answer. 

"What has you in a good mood?" Sarah asked with a pointed look. She hardly saw this female– the epitome of stoicism– smiling. 

Agnes remained quiet a while, contemplating if she should spill the beans or not. For once she wanted to share her joy with someone who's not her parents. On that note, she told Sarah everything. Out of pure excitement, she retrieves her phone to show the chat. Then things went south. 

"I know this guy. He's a scam." Sarah said firmly, glaring daggers at the picture of the man. 

"What do you mean?" Agnes asked

"He promises but never fulfills. He's made countless promises to me as well and to numerous ladies. I happen to know a few of them. Truely, a womanizer." 

Agnes could hear her heart breaking and the hope she'd flammed dwindling. She couldn't even speak, staring blankly at the picture of the man still visible in her phone. 

"Don't tell me you bought his bullshit." Sarah's voice broke her reverie. 

With shaky hands and a mind in turmoil, she snatched her phone and got to her feet in lightning speed. 

"I'll see you later." Was all she said and headed in the direction she came from, ignoring the calls of a stunned Sarah.

Now within the confines of her home, her mind raced at an alarming rate, causing the fire of doubt and worry to rage harder. She'd known it was a risk to get her hopes up, to expect anything, to trust and yet she did anyway. What should she do now? 

*"Just forget it. Forget him. You always find a way."* Her mind persuaded. Still, there was desire, an urge to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

With steel determination, she got on WhatsApp and dared to leave a message. What a surprise that he responded immediately, as if he'd been waiting for her.

*"Hey. I've been trying to reach you. Unfortunately, my line got barred by the telecom company for lack of proper verification. I am working on this. You don't always come here so it got difficult since I couldn't place but receive calls. Here's the number of the guy who'll be training you, 70*****. I've paid for everything and he should be reaching you anytime soon. But if he fails to, you have his number right there. Congratulations on completing your exams. I'm still on tour. See you when I get back."*

Agnes nearly screamed for joy. A light laugh escaped her as the tears spilled. 

"Sometimes," she spoke quietly, "you have to be the one to reach out first."


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