More Than Gold

Hadley’s POV

As I walked off the stage, people stood again. Hands reached for mine. Cameras flashed. Someone handed me flowers. Someone else asked for a photo. Another person told me I had inspired their daughter, and I had to bite my lip hard to keep from crying all over again.

For the next twenty minutes, I smiled until my cheeks hurt.

I signed pictures.

Took photos.

Hugged little girls who look