Page 49 of Annika's Aurora

Liam took up the story. “She used her love of literature to teach him about love and forgiveness.”

“She used her love of words to convince him to do the right thing and let us go,” continued Sam, having collected himself.

“But beyond that, she taught us about love.”

“It had to have been love because even though he’d done such a horrible thing, she still managed to connect with Caleb and get him to give her the gun.”

Liam, his voice cracking a little, continued. “And it was love that kept her by our friend’s side, holding her. Giving her the comfort of loving touch as she … passed.” He broke off, too overcome by emotions. He and Suzanna had briefly dated, and it was clear that even though they had no longer been together, he still had feelings for her.

“And it was love that had her forgoing her own medical treatment until Suzanna and the rest of us were taken care of.” Sam turned to look at her. “Miss Northrup, we’ve heard it said about you before that you have a heart of gold. But it goes so much beyond that.”

Liam had gathered himself and turned to her as well. “We know that you’ve taken Suzanna’s death pretty hard. We all have. But you always taught us about the positives. You saved us. You saved fifteen lives that day.”

“We all have a future because of you,” Sam said as the rest of the class joined the boys at the front. “And because of the lessons you taught us that day, the future looks bright.”

The auditorium exploded with applause as everyone rose to their feet. Annika, not even bothering to hide her tears anymore, went over and hugged the boys. Then hugged the rest of their classmates. Each one thanked her. Then, there was Macey, standing in for her sister. She gave Annika the longest hug.

Her emotions were overwhelming, leaving her unsure of how much more she could take. Logan came to her and helped her back to her seat, and she clung to his hand, welcoming the added support.

Scott was back at the podium, asking for everybody’s attention again. “I know you’ve probably had enough, Miss Northrup, but we have one more surprise. And this one is for the entire student body.” He gestured to someone at the side of the stage, and the curtain opened to reveal a large movie screen. Clicking a few keys on the laptop in front of him, he brought up a video call. Marcus Rayne smiled out of the screen at them. The kids all hooted and hollered, but Annika was stunned as she listened to him speak.

“Hello, all,” he greeted them. “Can everybody see me okay?” There were yeses and nods from the audience members. “Good. I’m sorry I can’t be there in person, but as you probably all know, I’ve been pretty busy with the release of my current movie.” He laughed then. “Sorry for the shameless plug. Anyway, my Nighthawk friends told me what you have all been through the last couple of months.” Annika looked at Logan who shrugged, just as surprised as she was. “And I’m sorry for everything that has happened to your community.

“As many of you know, I recently got into a bit of trouble while on a hike. A group of brave men came to my rescue. I may play a hero on the big screen, but the Nighthawks are the real deal. True heroes. But then they told me about your teacher and what she did on that terrible day. Miss Northrup is the epitome of heroism, risking her own life to save the lives of her students. And while injured, no less. I’m sorry it even happened at all, but if I ever find myself in a situation like that, I’d want Miss Northrup at my back.” The younger students in the audience all cheered.

“Now to the reason for this video chat, and again I’m sorry I couldn’t be there in person to announce this, but I have a few surprises for Annandale High School. First, for the classmate and friend that you lost, I’ve started a non-profit organization in Suzanna’s memory. Since I know that schools all across the country are struggling for funding, and most often, the funds they do get go toward improving their technology, I’ve decided that Suzanna’s Books will raise funds to buy good old-fashioned books. Great books, classic books. The kind of books I hear your teacher likes to quote from.” Annika blushed as the kids laughed.

“After all, there is nothing like holding a book in your hands and watching as the world created in the pages leaps to life. And the smell of a good book?my favorite.” Again, more laughter.

“But I need a little help from you guys. I need a list of the best books you think every school in America needs. From elementary to high school. Put your heads together and get me that list. It doesn’t matter how many books are on it. Your principal will give you all the details you need. Furthermore, every year Suzanna’s Books will choose one deserving school district in the nation to get the Golden Heart award. It’s a monetary award for the district to buy as many books as they can. The first recipient of this award is your very own Annandale school. Each school in your district will receive one hundred thousand dollars. So, choose your books wisely. And more importantly, keep reading!” Everyone was cheering and clapping, amazed that one of the biggest stars in Hollywood would care about their little school in Michigan.

Marcus paused, smiling until everyone had settled down again. “But wait, there’s more,” Marcus quipped. “In the spring, when the ground thaws, workers will begin construction of a new addition to your high school. Annika’s Atrium will be a place for students to sit, relax and read.” An image of a beautiful room popped up on the screen. It had floor to ceiling windows and greenery everywhere, as well as seating arrangements all around. It even looked like there was a little pond in the corner. It looked welcoming and comfortable. It would be the perfect place to take a class, a reading garden of sorts. In that atrium, imaginations could soar. And he’d named it after her. Annika was flabbergasted, too stunned to even react. She sat frozen, staring at the image on the screen as tears coursed down her cheeks and wondered why Marcus Rayne had chosen her. And the only conclusion she could come to was because of the Nighthawks. The greatest, most giving group of men and women Annika had ever met.

Marcus’s image was back on the screen now. “That’s about all I’ve got for you for now. So, get me that list of books. And remember to keep reading and give your teachers the respect they deserve. After all, I bet Miss Northrup isn’t the only teacher in this world who would risk her life for her students. Hey, maybe I should make a movie about that too someday,” he joked, winking to the camera before the image went dark.

Scott went to the podium again. “I’ve taken the liberty of having something made a little early for our new addition.” Two students walked to the front carrying a large plaque between them. A close-up image of the plaque showed up on the screen behind them. The words ‘Annika’s Atrium’ were in large typeface in the middle. Below her name were two wonderful quotes by Tolkien.

“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.”

“Courage is found in unlikely places.”

“A date will be added when we have one for the grand opening of Annika’s Atrium. I hope you will all come back to help us celebrate on that day. Thank you all for coming. And thank you, Miss Northrup … for everything,” he said, his voice full of emotion. Annika suddenly grasped the weight her principal must have been feeling since the shooting. She got to her feet and gave him a big hug as the audience erupted in chants of “Speech. Speech.”

“You don’t have to say anything if you don’t feel up to it,” Scott told her. “But I think the kids would enjoy hearing what you have to say to all this.”

Annika looked to Logan and her parents, all sporting big smiles and nodding. “I’d like to say a few words. Just let me grab something first.” She went to the bag that she had put everything into and grabbed Suzanna’s poem.

Standing at the podium, Annika waited for the audience to settle, hoping her nerves would settle with them. There were so many people. So many familiar faces smiling up at her. That gave her the comfort she needed to begin. “I am beyond stunned by all of this. And ever so grateful. ‘Even though I have a Very Small Heart, it holds a rather large amount of Gratitude.’”

“Ooh, I know that one!” shouted Sam. “That’s from Winnie the Pooh, right?” Everyone laughed.

“That’s right, Sam. Gold star for you.” More laughter.

“My heart overflows with gratitude at the abundance of love you all have shown Suzanna, myself, and this school today. Thank you.” She took a deep breath and began again. “When I was your age,” she said, indicating the students from her class that day. “I lost my brother, my twin, in a car accident. There had been three people in that car that day, and the two that survived, myself and a friend, had been helpless to save him. I felt that same helplessness that day in the classroom. I’ve had a lot of time over the years since losing my brother to learn about grief. And of course, I turned to my books to help me. ‘He who feels the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness,’” she quoted.

Another voice in the audience called out. “‘Count of Monte Cristo!’”

Annika smiled. “Another gold star.” She paused for more laughter. “I’ve gone through many years of the deepest grief imaginable, but I’ve learned to find the supreme happiness in the littlest things. Like snowflakes melting on your face. A glorious sunrise. An evening spent with friends.” Her gaze landed on her new Nighthawk family. “And of course, a good book. I’ve started paying attention more. Listening more. I know that my brother is with me … always. I hear his voice whispering encouragement to me in the winds.”

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