Ephemeral Reverie

THE END OF BEGINNING

CH15: THE END OF BEGINNING

It was a busy day together; today was no ordinary day. It is her and Zara's graduation, a moment that she always looks forward to. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, she asked Zara, who's very focused on doing her makeup. "We're going to be late at this rate, Zara."

"Chill, the gate will not close," Zara assured her.

After a minute of doing her make-up, she stands up and looks in the mirror in front of her. She hugs her toga as flashes of memories come to her. "Don't you dare cry, Thalia. I just did your make-up" Zara teased as she wore her toga.

She wishes her mother was here with her today; she never got the chance to attend her graduation ceremony. She wishes she would be there later, guiding her towards the stage. The aroma suddenly filled the whole house. Her aunt, Cathy, is busy bustling around the kitchen downstairs. The clatter of pots and pans, as well as the aroma that filled the whole house, is a testament to her preparation for their mini-celebration later.

She ran downstairs, looking at what her aunt had been cooking, which suddenly made her hungry. "Wow, the smell is making me feel hungry, auntie."

Her aunt, who's looking so seriously at her, said. "It still feels like yesterday since you were first here after your elementary graduation; now I will witness you finish your senior year." Aunt Cathy caressed her cheeks a little before hugging her.

Zara ran downstairs, bringing a bag with her, which made her mother question her. "Zara, you're attending a graduation ceremony, not an outing. What's your big bag? "

Zara sighed as she opened her bag; it was full of emergency supplies. Medicines, water, a first-aid kit, foods, and hygiene supplies are all included in her bag. "They'll understand me, mom. It's better to be ready."

She understood why Zara was bringing all of that to their graduation; she's afraid that she might pass out again. They bid goodbye to Zara's mother as they head towards their school.

They arrived at the gymnasium, where the graduation ceremony will be held. The whole atmosphere is packed with midnight blue caps and gowns, as the air buzzes with excitement and the scent of fresh flowers fills the gymnasium. The stage was adorned with a lot of vibrant colors and a banner that read "Class of 2024.".

Her name echoed through the gymnasium as she was called to deliver her speech as one of the outstanding students of the class of 2024. She felt a lump in her throat as she made her way towards the stage. "We would like to invite one of our most outstanding students, Thalia Elaire Sullivan." The university's principal called her out, making the silent crowd fill with claps.

This time, the eyes that surround her are filled with sincerity and congratulations, not the ones filled with hate.

Thalia took a deep breath as she made her way to the podium. Her hands trembled a bit as she reached the microphone. The eyes of her classmates and teachers were all fixed on her, waiting for her to start. She turns her gaze to Zara, who is reassuring her that she can do it.

Clearing her throat, Thalia began:

"Our senior year was filled with both laughter and challenges. All the late-night study sessions we all experienced led us to this success. We should also never forget to find joy in the simple things in life. I remember the moment when I was still a freshman, feeling lost through this huge campus and overwhelmed by how nice everyone is. Today, we stand on the brink of a new chapter in our lives. May we never forget all the lessons that this chapter brought to us. Thank you everyone; you've been part of my journey in senior year. You brought laughter and unforgettable memories to me."