Truth - Lashton

Chapter 41

Michael's POV

Graduation day. I've dreaded this day since Mr. Irwin passed.

He made a promise he'd be here with us today and now he isn't.

Me and Luke were graduating together, Luke graduating at the top of the class.

After everyone got seated, Like was given his chance to give a speech.

He was nervous, I could tell by the way he was hugging himself.

He went up to the podium and sighed.

"Today, as exciting as it may be for others, has given me sorrow and sadness.."

He cut himself off as tears were starting to build.

"The beginning of this year, I struggled with Anorexia Nervousa. My teacher, Mr. Irwin saved me from it. He showed me strength, recovery and happiness."

He looked at me and smiled softly with tears running down his face.

"He promised me he'd be here today, to celebrate this. He unfortunately didn't make it, due to his own silent killer of an eating disorder."

Everyone was stunned, the atmosphere completely shifted in the room.

"I hope all of you know, you are much much more than your body or a scale or whatever it may be. You are.. so deserving of life.."

Luke muttered, completely breaking apart on stage.

"I want to dedicate this all to Mr. Irwin.. A man who deserved life more than anything.."

The crowd just clapped, no cheering or anything.

Luke went off stage and I ran to find him.

I found him outside, crying his eyes out.

"Luke?"

I walked over and put my hand on his shoulder. He just whimpered and put his head on my shoulder, crying harder.

"I just can't believe he's gone! He can't be!"

I held him tightly and let out a rugged breath, trying to hold back tears.

"You're in denial, Lu.. He's gone.."

"What am I supposed to do? Act like he never existed?!"

"No.. Not at all.. We can write songs about him, dedicate shows to him and stuff like that. As long as we're alive, no one will forget about Ashton Irwin."