THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

e that Aaron, the guy she'd had a crush on for years, was now dati

she was. Rose was glowing, and Riley knew tha

e," Riley said, forcing

iley. I know this may be weird for

sh aside her feelings. "I

ut before he died, he was able to tell Rose how

Rose graduated with a third-class degree. But Aaron was able to use

in a beautiful ceremony. Riley was the maid of honor, and she sm

t help but feel a pang of sadness. She'd thought that she and Aa

ed Rose tightly. "I'm so happy for you,

ack. "Thanks, Riley. I could

, pretending to be happy for the newlyweds. But deep down, she

r impressive qualifications, she was met with rejection after rejectio

ake the best of it. She threw herself into her work, ear

ill lived in their father's old house, which was starting

ey had a beautiful home, a successful business, and a loving relati

ends meet, living in a run-down house with no financial

t, one that was comfortable and secure. They also bought Riley a bran

w the apartment and the car. She had never exp

" Riley said, tears streaming do

e my sister, Riley. I want to t

she was getting back on her feet. She had a good job, a co

got married, and she never had children. She was content with her solitary life, b

ommunity. She continued to teach and inspire her students, and she also st

hey would spend hours catching up and laughing together. Despi

They had been talking about starting a scholarship fund i

id, her eyes shining with excitement. "

n passionate about education, and she knew that this scholarship

iley said, smiling at her

larship fund, using her teaching experience and passion

difference. She had touched the lives of countless students, an

love, Riley knew that she had been loved an

but her body wasn't as cooperative as it used to be. Rose and Aaron would vi

her gardening, Riley turned to her and s

in surprise. "What

Riley said. "You've got a beautiful home, a loving h

. "Thanks, Riley," she said. "Th

nd. "I mean it, Rose. You deserve

ey back into her house. They sat down with her in

here for you," Rose said. "No matter what happe

nd support of her sister. "I know, Rose," she

that she had lived a good life. She had made a difference in the