Afton Family: Michael and Isabella.

Chapter 3: College Graduation

The day had finally arrived—college graduation. The sun shone brightly over the campus, casting a warm glow over the sea of black caps and gowns. The air was filled with a mixture of excitement, pride, and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. Today marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another, a day Michael Afton and Isabella Enfuego had been eagerly anticipating for years.

Michael adjusted his cap nervously, glancing around the crowded quad where graduates were gathering. He spotted familiar faces—friends he had studied with, laughed with, and grown with over the past four years. He saw Sam, his first-year roommate, grinning from ear to ear as he hugged his parents. He saw his professors, who had become mentors and guides, standing proudly at the front, ready to congratulate their students on this milestone achievement.

As he scanned the crowd, his eyes finally landed on Isabella. She was standing a few feet away, looking radiant in her cap and gown, her face glowing with excitement. She caught his eye and smiled, waving him over. Michael's heart swelled with love and pride as he made his way through the crowd to her side.

"You made it!" Isabella exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. "Can you believe it? We're actually graduating!"

Michael laughed, hugging her back. "It feels surreal," he admitted. "Like it was just yesterday we were freshmen, trying to figure out where our classes were."

Isabella nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears. "And now look at us," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "We're about to walk across that stage and get our diplomas. We did it, Michael."

Michael smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. "We did it together," he said softly, squeezing her hand. "And I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."

As they stood there, soaking in the moment, the commencement ceremony began. The university president took to the podium, delivering a speech filled with words of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for the future. The deans of each college took turns announcing the names of the graduates, and the crowd erupted into applause each time a new group was called up to receive their diplomas.

Michael's heart pounded as he heard his college announced. "Graduates of the College of Engineering, please come forward," the dean called out. Michael took a deep breath, giving Isabella's hand a final squeeze before letting go and stepping forward with his fellow engineering majors.

As he walked toward the stage, a rush of memories flooded his mind—the late-night study sessions, the challenging projects, the friendships and bonds he had formed. He thought about his family, who had supported him every step of the way, and how proud they would be watching him now.

He climbed the steps to the stage, his name echoing through the loudspeakers. "Michael Afton, Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering." The audience applauded, and Michael felt a surge of pride as he shook the dean's hand and accepted his diploma.

He turned to face the crowd, his eyes searching for his family. He spotted them near the front—his mother Clara, his father William, and his siblings Chris, Elizabeth, and Jullian. They were cheering loudly, waving enthusiastically. Michael smiled and waved back, feeling a swell of emotion.

He descended the steps, diploma in hand, his heart light with joy. He made his way back to his seat, feeling a sense of accomplishment like never before. He had done it. He had reached a goal he had set for himself years ago, and now, a new chapter awaited.

As the ceremony continued, Isabella's college was announced. Michael watched with pride as she walked confidently toward the stage, her head held high. "Isabella Enfuego, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science." The crowd erupted in applause once more, and Michael joined in, clapping as hard as he could. He knew how much this moment meant to her, how hard she had worked, and he couldn't have been prouder.

After the last name was called, the university president returned to the podium. "Graduates," she said, her voice ringing with pride, "please stand."

The graduates rose in unison, a sea of black caps and gowns standing tall under the bright blue sky.

"Congratulations to the Class of [Year]!" the president declared. "You are now graduates of this esteemed institution. Go forth and make your mark on the world!"

The graduates cheered, tossing their caps into the air. Michael threw his cap as high as he could, laughing as it soared above the crowd. He turned to Isabella, who was beaming with joy, and pulled her into a celebratory hug.

"We did it!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement. "We're officially college graduates!"

Michael grinned, his heart brimming with happiness. "And now," he said, looking deeply into her eyes, "it's time for the next chapter of our lives."

Isabella nodded, her smile softening. "Are you ready?" she asked, her voice tender.

Michael took her hand, his heart full of love and certainty. "I'm more than ready," he said. "With you by my side, I'm ready for anything."

They stood there for a moment, holding each other close, before making their way through the crowd to find their families. The Aftons and the Enfuegos had gathered together, their faces filled with pride and happiness.

Clara was the first to hug Michael, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You've grown into such a wonderful young man."

Michael hugged her back tightly. "Thanks, Mom," he said softly. "I couldn't have done it without you."

William clapped him on the back, a rare smile on his face. "Congratulations, son," he said. "You've made us all very proud."

The rest of the family crowded around, hugging and congratulating Michael and Isabella. It was a moment of pure joy, a celebration of their hard work and achievements.

As the group began to make their way toward the parking lot, Isabella pulled Michael aside, a serious expression on her face. "So... now that we're graduates," she began, her voice soft but steady, "when do we start planning the wedding?"

Michael chuckled, his heart skipping a beat. "How about tomorrow?" he suggested playfully. "I don't want to wait any longer than we have to."

Isabella laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Tomorrow it is," she agreed. "Let's start our forever, Michael."

With a shared look of love and determination, they knew that this was just the beginning. Their journey together was far from over, and they were ready to face whatever the future held, hand in hand. Today marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of the rest of their lives—a future they would build together, with love as their foundation.