Drowning Out Sound

Drowning Out Sound: Chapter #9

Epilogue: Six Years Later

> Dad?

> What's wrong?

Peter can tell his son is stressed and wants to help.

Miko gestures to his tie.

> This is so stupid. I should be able to tie a tie by now. I'm eighteen years old!

Peter chuckles and gestures for him to come closer. With a sigh Miko does and Peter quickly but efficiently gets it tied for him.

> Don't be so hard on yourself, Miko. You'll get it. Just keep practicing.

Miko smiles and pulls on his jacket.

> How do I look?

> Very handsome. Are you ready?

Miko shrugs one shoulder.

> Yes, and no? I'm super mega nervous, Dad.

Peter nods and places his hand on his son's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze of reassurance.

> I'd be more worried if you weren't, but you can do this. More than can, you will do this, and you will do an amazing job.

> You'll be there right, Dad?

> As if I would miss it. This is one of the biggest days of a person's life, Miko. I'll be right there to cheer you on.

> You promise?

Peter nods and lets out a soft 'oof' when he gains a koala as his son hugs him. Miko pulls away and jogs out of the room throwing a huge smile over his shoulder. As he disappears, Peter nods. Yes. He'll do just fine.

💦🫧👂🏻•💙•👂🏻🫧💦

On May 12th, 2022, Miko, Malia, Callie and the rest of their class are gathered at Lupus Luna Academy Prep for their Graduation. Miko is Valedictorian. Malia and Jackson tied for Salutatorian. It wasn't surprising that Jackson transferred to the private school with his siblings when they started high school. It actually made a lot of sense, and he did much better there than he had at the public school. Peter often wonders what that says about the public school system as a whole.

As Miko steps up to the podium, Stella cheers and stands up, waving at her brother. She's now thirteen and still her brother's biggest fan.

Miko takes a deep breath, makes eye contact with his teachers and begins signing his speech. It is completely silent as everyone has their eyes and ears on him.

> Fourteen years ago, I experienced the worst two months of my life but one day in particular was the worst of those. Fourteen years ago, I experienced the best day of my life. The difference between the worst and the best is which one I allowed to affect me. See it would have been easy to let the worst day change me for the worst, but I didn't. I didn't because at four years old I was sent an angel though he'll probably tell you he's more demon than angel but he's only half lying.

The audience laughs and Peter blushes with a grin on his face. Miko winks at all the smiles and continues.

> From the moment Peter Hale came into my life that day fourteen years ago, I have been upheld by him, Malia, Jackson, Talia, Marie and of course the most beautiful girl in the world. Right here.

He gestures to his right where Zuri is sitting and smiles when she perks up at the cooing he can tell people are doing as they smile. He chuckles softly and continues.

> I never had to learn what it was like to face things alone. I never had to learn what it was like to be without a home, family, safety or love. I had all of these things and more. Nine years ago, I was legally adopted and although they had already been my family before that, it was there in black and white. Malia and Jackson are my sister and my brother. Peter is my father. Talia is my aunt. Marie is my mother and Bridget is my grandma. I have a family and they've never let me feel like I was anything less than family regardless of blood relation. They held me through my nightmares, panic attacks and tears. They encouraged me, supported me and pushed me to be my best.