The last lecture of the day had finally ended, and Hope sank onto her bed in the hostel room, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration washing over her. Her notebook lay open on the desk, filled with neat notes from the day, while the quiet of the room allowed her a moment to breathe.
Her phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Mrs. Turner's name. Hope's face immediately brightened, and she answered.
"Hello, Grandma!" she said cheerfully.
"Hope! My darling girl!" Mrs. Turner's voice burst through the line, vibrant and full of life, as if she were right there in the room. "How's my little star? How was your first day at university? Tell me everything!"
Hope felt a wave of surprise. Her grandmother's energy was so strong, so lively, that it almost made her forget the long day she had just endured. "Hi, Grandma! It was… amazing. The campus is huge, and the lecture halls are bigger than I imagined. I met my roommate, and she's really nice. Everything's… exciting."
"That's wonderful, sweetheart!" Mrs. Turner exclaimed. "I knew you'd handle it perfectly. My clever, beautiful girl…" Her voice was full of pride, warmth, and playful enthusiasm, as if she were cheering Hope on from a front-row seat in her life.
Hope couldn't help but smile, touched by the way her grandmother's energy filled the room despite being miles away. "Grandma… you sound so happy. I didn't expect you to be so… energetic!"
"Oh, darling, I am happy! My granddaughter is stepping into the world, and I can't contain myself!" Mrs. Turner laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "And listen carefully… if anyone dares give you trouble, I'll step in. I may be older, but I still know how to protect my little girl!"
Hope laughed softly, a mix of amusement and affection. "Thank you, Grandma. I think I can handle myself, but knowing you're cheering for me… it makes me feel braver."
"You better believe it!" Mrs. Turner said, her voice bubbling with warmth. "You are my little granddaughter, Hope. I am going to spoil you rotten, mark my words. And anyone who tries to make you feel small… well, they'll have me to answer to. You understand?"
"I understand perfectly," Hope replied, smiling, amazed by the vibrancy of her grandmother's care. She felt lighter, happier, and completely supported.
As the call ended, Hope sat for a moment, letting the energy of her grandmother's love settle around her. Her first day at university suddenly felt smaller, easier, and filled with possibilities.
For the first time since stepping onto campus, she felt the kind of comfort and encouragement only a grandmother could give—energetic, protective, and utterly devoted to her granddaughter's happiness and success.