I cant sleep without you

All Of The Stars

Two years later...

  — "Now, I would like to invite to the stage the most outstanding graduate of this year—Emily Bennett, to present her with this honorary certificate," — the dean raises the certificate demonstratively, "along with the diploma." I slowly make my way to the stage as the dean continues speaking, his words accompanied by applause. He shakes my hand firmly and hands me two pieces of cardboard, so to speak... I thought of taking everything and quickly leaving, but he leads me to the microphone.

— "Ahem..." — I refrain from hastily saying anything, instead taking a moment to inspect my awards, feeling as though this whole situation is somewhat surreal. The room falls into silence, with all eyes on me, waiting for me to speak. — "Seems like I might have pulled a fast one somewhere..." — A ripple of light laughter sweeps through the room. — "I'm serious," — I continue, casting my gaze over everyone present. — "I bet there are students out there who wanted to be in my shoes more than I do right now. You know, I haven't uttered a single scientific word outside of college. Well, maybe when reading textbooks," — another round of laughter fills the room. — "Standing here doesn't elevate me above anyone else or make me any smarter," - my tone adopts a more serious note. — "Each of you possesses something special. Um... I might be overloading you all, but hey, you asked for it. Have you ever found yourself feeling like something's off with you? Like you're starring in your own movie... You look at your hands, move them, and wonder, what's it all about? There are a multitude of questions, and you feel like you're not quite right. Not like everyone else. You're not a genius, not a great dancer, you don't have superpowers, you haven't saved lives, nothing particularly special happens in your life, so what makes you special? You don't know... You just feel like there's something," — I notice everyone listening intently, even John is all ears. — "I want to tell you not to overlook those moments when you're engulfed in that feeling... Because that feeling is what allows us to take risks, to overcome our fears. We strive to find that uniqueness or achieve it. But upon reflection, you quickly dismiss it all because you're not immoral, you're just like everyone else. You think someone famous might be special. For example, political and historical figures like Hitler, who had a serious impact on our world. Or maybe some actors and directors who also influenced people, like Charlie Chaplin; he became the darling of almost the entire world, or Angelina Jolie; she also became beloved not only as an actress but as a personality helping the needy and adopting a bunch of kids. Yes, who are you compared to them? It's easy to agree with that, but those feelings still don't disappear... And here's the question... How is each of you different from them? They probably didn't know from birth who they would become, what mark they would leave on the world, or how they would influence the entire world. They're just like us. Just like everyone else. And being like everyone else means being special. So... I'm probably not the most outstanding graduate. I just got lucky with a good memory. And... " — I pause, scanning the audience again. — "I need to wrap up this unprepared but lengthy speech somehow. If you didn't understand me, I'm glad. That means I'm uniquely special, and I belong in a psych ward," — the room fills with laughter again. — "Anyway, thanks for listening. I hope you quickly forget what I said," — I leave the stage with a wry smile under the thunderous applause, which I totally didn't expect. Everyone stands up, and I find myself in the midst of the crowd. Apparently, my speech was the last one. Many people hugged me and bid me farewell. Somewhere, I heard shouts like, "Amy, you're awesome!" All of this astonishes me. I never thought I had any kind of popularity.

       I scan the room in search of my blonde girl. I lost sight of her as soon as I stepped onto the stage. There are too many people, and I can't spot her anywhere. Suddenly, unfamiliar hands cover my eyes. My angel found me on her own. With a smile, I turn around abruptly.