After today, she’d be a right, proper politician. Just an intern for now, but everyone had to start somewhere. And this was the beginning for her.

When the bus entered the outer limits of D.C., Carolina almost died right there from true bliss. It wouldn’t be long before she moved to the city herself. She’d save every penny from this internship, earn another scholarship for law school, and then she’d become a permanent resident of the greatest city within the greatest country in the whole wide world.

She didn’t deny that America had its problems, but you didn’t stop loving something just because it wasn’t perfect. In fact, you loved it that much harder to help it fix those problems and discover new levels of greatness. That was precisely Carolina’s plan. She didn’t exactly know how she’d leave her mark on history, only that she would find out when the time was right.

She’d serve her country and her fellow citizens by using the talents God and her mama gave her. It all started today.

The lighted signs that hung near the bus’s ceiling flashed the name of her stop, and Carolina rose to exit with a dozen or so fellow commuters. A moment later, she was there right on the sidewalk that led straight up to Congress. She considered pinching herself to make sure it was all real, but no. This wasn’t the kind of dream come true that just randomly plopped into one’s lap. She’d worked hard for this. Even though she was young, she’d given everything she had and then some to making this day a reality.

The skip returned to her step as she approached that beautiful domed building. A hand rose to heart reflexively out of respect for the power, history, and symbol of freedom that stood before her. She’d been here on school trips before, but this was different. Now she wasn’t just a tourist. She belonged here. She’d always belonged here.

Gosh, it was just like coming home, only better.

Her phone jangled in her satchel, playing her silly “Yankee Doodle” ringtone for all within passing distance to hear.

Oops, better silence it now. That would have been so embarrassing if it had gone off in a meeting! She was already the youngest intern of the bunch, which meant she’d have to work that much harder to prove she wasn’t just some kid. And “Yankee Doodle” certainly didn’t help.

While flicking her volume switch to the off position, she glanced quickly at the screen. The missed call sported a Charleston area code, but it wasn’t a number she recognized. Hmm.

A new notification popped up to inform her that she had a voicemail. She pressed to accept it and lifted the phone to her ear as she continued the blessedly short walk to her destination.

“Hi, Carolina. This is Officer Franklin with the Charleston Police Department…”

Carolina stopped so fast the person behind her ran clear into her back. “Sorry,” she mumbled, giving all her attention and energy to the message that continued to play out in her ear.