You Are Something Else, Juniper Zwinggi

Epilogue

3 Years Later

"Juniper Anne Zwinggi."

As I took the steps up onto the stage and heard the applause, I thought back on all that had happened over the past four years.

I'd lost Pat who was a huge part of who I was but gained so much in return. I made friends, found an old friend and turned him into my lifelong companion, I gained family and I even got my mom back after a time. Life was far from perfect but it was still overwhelmingly good.

Jake completed his first year of residency at the zoo and for the next two years he moved to San Diego to finish out the residency program. I spent my last year following in his footsteps at the zoo and would make my way to San Diego after graduation. Sacramento Zoo offered him a full-time position at the zoo hospital and he couldn't be happier. We would make the distance work, we always made it work.  

Every year on the anniversary of our promise, Jake would take me on a trip to celebrate. This year he took me to Italy and surprised me with a beautiful emerald engagement ring on a silver band. It took up the entire lower portion of my finger, definitely making it Kate Middleton worthy. We were making plans to get married on our next anniversary in the Fishers' backyard and would go on a honeymoon once I finished my residency.  

Emily and Miles shocked everyone by eloping on that fateful spring break, three years ago. She had been one of the first to receive her diploma and I saw her waving excitedly with her big pregnant belly as I received mine. Her and Miles were going to open an equine rehabilitation practice in Napa after my god-daughter is born.

Mom didn't talk to me for a few years. The fight between Lydia and I had been the last straw for her. She still paid for my tuition but that was it. Lynn had tried speaking with her but in the end we let her be. I called her to tell her I was engaged and was surprised when she actually answered. We talked for maybe five minutes but even then I thought that was progress. She was here today sitting with Jake and his parents.

I could imagine Pat looking down at us and just shaking his head. He'd love every minute of this crazy story and truly he was with me the whole time. I could feel him with me as I took my diploma. Looking out at the crowd and seeing my family cheering for me, I felt like everything was going to be okay. 

Even if it weren't okay at this moment, I knew that it would be.