Love

Graduation

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the horizon, as I opened my eyes to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. Today was the day I had been working towards for as long as I could remember: graduation day. My heart swelled with excitement and a touch of nervousness as I thought about the ceremony and the celebration that would follow.

Meme had insisted on making the day special, and I knew she had been planning for weeks. I stretched, feeling the anticipation buzz through my veins, and made my way to the kitchen. The aroma of Meme's famous fried fish, shrimp, and grits filled the air, making my mouth water.

"Good morning, pitit fi," Meme greeted me with a warm smile as she flipped the last piece of fish onto a plate. "Today is a big day. Are you ready?"

I grinned, taking a seat at the table. "I think so. It still feels a bit surreal." Meme placed a plate of food in front of me and kissed my forehead. "You've worked so hard for this, Celeste. We're all so proud of you."

As I ate, I couldn't help but reflect on how far I'd come. From the chaos of my childhood to the stability and love I'd found in Meme's home, it had been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Today was the culmination of all those efforts, and I was determined to make the most of it.

After breakfast, I headed back to my room to get ready. My graduation gown hung on the closet door, a symbol of my achievement. I took a deep breath and slipped into the gown, feeling a sense of pride wash over me. As I adjusted the cap on my head, there was a knock on the door.

"Are you ready, Celeste?" Sorin's voice came from the other side. I opened the door to find him standing there, looking dapper in a suit. His eyes sparkled with pride as he took in my appearance. "You look amazing," he said, pulling me into a gentle embrace.

"Thank you, Sorin. I couldn't have done this without you." He kissed my forehead. "This is your day, Celeste. Let's go make it unforgettable."

---

The graduation ceremony was held at the school auditorium, a grand building filled with excited students and proud families. As I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, the applause from the audience was deafening. I scanned the crowd, spotting Meme, Sorin, Phoenix, and the rest of my family cheering me on. My heart swelled with gratitude and joy. After the ceremony, we gathered outside for photos. Meme couldn't stop beaming as she hugged me tightly. "I'm so proud of you, Celeste. You've accomplished so much."

"Thank you, Meme. I couldn't have done it without your support."
L Sorin took my hand, his eyes shining with love and pride. "You did it, Celeste. And this is just the beginning."

We spent the afternoon taking pictures, laughing, and reminiscing about the journey that had brought us to this moment. It was a celebration of not just my graduation, but the love and support of my family that had made it all possible.

---

That evening, Meme had arranged a special dinner at our favorite restaurant by the lake. The same place where Sorin had taken me on our first date. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the water, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter. As we took our seats, the waiter brought out a bottle of champagne, compliments of the house. Meme raised her glass in a toast. "To Celeste, for her hard work and dedication. And to the bright future that lies ahead of her. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" everyone echoed, clinking their glasses together. The food was exquisite, and the conversation flowed easily. We shared stories, laughed, and celebrated not just my graduation, but the bonds that had brought us together. It was a night filled with love and joy, a perfect way to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.