Still, once they were home, Nicole wanted Elise to tell him everything, whether or not she got into the program. If the timing worked out, Nicole would tell him herself, but shecouldn’t hang around long, since she wanted to make Benny’s dog thing this afternoon.
Bubbling with the stress of it all, she paced the sidewalk, too wound up to sit on a bench.
After what felt like an eternity, the frosted glass doors of the administration building swung open, and Nicole’s breath caught.
Elise rolled out, her face luminous with joy, her pale locks tumbling over her shoulders as if even her curls were celebrating. An older man walked beside her, silver-haired and serious, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Nicole!” Elise called, her voice breaking with exhilaration.
Nicole hustled forward, trying to read Elise’s expression. “How did it go?”
“Slayed it!” Elise turned to the man. “Didn’t I?”
“Absolutely,” he agreed, extending his hand to Nicole. “Dean Luis Mendes.”
“Hello, I’m Nicole Kessler.” Nicole shook his hand, impressed by his kind, steady gaze. “Thank you for seeing Elise. I know it’s New Year’s Eve, and?—”
“Thank you for bringing her,” he countered, smiling at Elise. “Don’t make us wait long to sign that acceptance letter, young lady. Classes start January fifteenth.”
Nicole’s jaw dropped. “Wait—you got in?”
Elise’s cheeks flushed pink, her eyes shining. “You are looking at a new student on the spring semester roster of GBVI! Can you believe it?”
Nicole dropped to her knees beside the wheelchair, hugging her fiercely. “Of course I can believe it. You deserve this so much.”
Dean Mendes gestured toward a three-story brick building across the courtyard. “Why don’t you two go take a look at the housing? You’ll want to see where you’ll be living. Here’sa master key card to enter the handicap-accessible apartment.” He slipped a card into Elise’s hand. “First floor, end of the hall. Everything’s been customized for full independence. Go check it out and start planning your décor. And pets are more than welcome, of course. You’ll find plenty of service animals at Great Basin.”
“Thank you,” Elise whispered, clutching the card as though it were solid gold, then she looked up with narrow eyes. “You, dear sir, are truly open-minded. I am so grateful that you see me as any other student who walked into your office.”
“You aren’t like any other student, Elise,” he said. “And that’s exactly why we want you here so much. Like I said, I would very much like to meet with your family, too. I know you are an adult, but I want to assure them you’ll be in good hands and getting a great education.”
“I’ll talk to them,” she promised as they shook hands.
Nicole’s heart lifted with hope, and at how good it must feel for Elise to know she could have a meaningful, productive, and exciting future.
After they said goodbye, the two of them headed to Aspen Hall, which really looked like any suburban apartment complex, not a dormitory.
Inside, it was bright and modern, with sunlight streaming through wide windows into a cheerful lobby. The walls were decorated with student art—paintings and photos of beloved animals.
“This place is well-funded,” Elise said as she rolled past a giant silk Ficus tree and headed for the hall. “Dean Mendes was telling me that fundraising is huge, and tons of local ranchers support the program, and the Department of Agriculture matches most donations. The cost will be essentially covered by scholarships and grants.”
“Getting in here is a coup,” Nicole said, and meant it.
As they headed down the hall, Elise’s hands wobbled on the wheels of her chair, her excitement so palpable it was contagious.
“I can’t believe this is real,” she murmured, breathless.
“It’s so perfect for you,” Nicole said. “Right here on campus, surrounded by everything you need.”
When they reached the designated apartment, Elise swiped the key card. The door whooshed open—a beautiful feature—and she rolled inside, and Nicole followed.
The sweet little unit took their breath away. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what Elise needed: an open-concept layout with wide doorways, low counters, and plenty of space to maneuver her chair. The living area had a sliding glass door that led to a tiny enclosed patio, sunlight glinting off the snow outside. A compact kitchenette lined one wall, with accessible drawers and appliances—microwave and oven at just the right height, a side-opening oven door, even a lowered sink.
The bedroom held a low platform bed with sturdy grab bars nearby. The bathroom was the real marvel: a roll-in shower with no lip at the base, a secure fold-down bench, and adjustable showerhead. Grab bars were installed strategically around the toilet and sink, every detail designed for independence.
“It’s…it’s perfect,” Elise whispered, tears pooling in her eyes. “I can do this, Nicole. I can live here on my own. And never in my entire life have I wanted anything so badly. The last time I did? It was to get up from a hospital bed and walk.”
Nicole’s throat tightened as she reached down to hug Elise. “Honey, you deserve this.”
