Golden Melody

Chapter 11

Zatariel Wov

His pov

Graduation.
It was finally here, even in the midst of the lockdown that had cast a shadow over our final year. Only 45 of us had made it, the smallest batch in Wayne Academy's history.

The scars on my wrist, a testament to the grueling year in Green Garden, ached with a strange familiarity.
My gaze swept across the crowd, searching for Mimi.
There she was, near the back, her Orange gown a vibrant splash of color against under her black toga.
Our eyes met, and a warmth bloomed in my chest, a feeling that had become my companion.

Later, after the graduation ball, Mimi and I would run away.
The house I bought was just within the Yellow City, a sanctuary waiting for us.
The thought sent a shiver of excitement down my spine, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

My gaze returned to Mimi, her smile radiating warmth and hope. 
I knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but I was determined to make it work. 
I would find a way to make our dreams a reality, to create a life where love and freedom reigned supreme.

As the graduates filed in the auditorium, I took Mimi's hand in mine. 
The warmth of her touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, a reminder of the love that bound us together, a love that could conquer any obstacle.

Suddenly, the principal voice boomed through the auditorium. 
"And now, for our valedictorian address, please welcome Zatariel Wov!"

My heart skipped a beat. I had been chosen to give the valedictorian speech, an honor I had expected, but one that still sent a thrill through me.

I took a deep breath, my palms sweating slightly. As I walked to the podium, my eyes met Mimi's. She gave me a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with pride.

I stood at the podium, the microphone cold against my hand. 
I looked out at the crowd, the faces of my classmates and teachers, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity reflected in their eyes.

"Good morning, everyone," I began, my voice was a little shaky at first. 
"It's an honor to stand here today, as the valedictorian of the graduating class of 2014."

I paused, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. 
"We walked through the same doors of the Academy, full of hopes and dreams.
faced challenges, learned from mistakes, and we grew together and even graduated in the middle of lockdown."

I shared a few anecdotes about our time at Wayne Academy and Green Garden, moments of laughter, camaraderie, and shared triumphs. 
I spoke about the importance of pursuing our dreams, of never giving up, of believing in ourselves and in each other.

As I spoke, I noticed Mimi's eyes shining with tears. 
She was the one who had inspired me to pursue my dreams, the one who had taught me the true meaning of love and freedom.

"Today, we leave Wayne Academy, but we don't leave behind the lessons we have learned, the friendships we have forged, and the memories we have made.  We carry them with us, as we embark on a new chapter in our lives."

I paused again, my gaze meeting Mimi's. 
"I believe that the future holds endless possibilities.  We have the power to shape our own destinies, to create a world where our dreams can come true."

I looked at the crowd, my voice filled with conviction. 
"Let us go forth into the world, with courage, with hope, and with the unwavering belief that we can make a difference."

As I finished my speech, the crowd erupted in applause. 
I stepped down from the podium, my heart filled with a mixture of pride and emotion. 
I did it. 
I had given the speech, and I had shared my message of hope and inspiration.

I walked back to Mimi, my eyes searching for her. 
She was waiting for me, her smile radiant. 
"That was amazing, Riel," she whispered, her voice filled with admiration.

I took her hand in mine, our fingers intertwining. 
"Thank you, Mimi."

We walked out of the auditorium, the sound of applause and congratulations trailing behind us. 
The graduation was just a formality, a final farewell to the life we knew. 
Soon, we would be free, ready to embark on a new chapter, a chapter filled with hope, love, and the promise of a future we would create together.