Years have passed, and Lina and Sarah are now living a new life. It seems like they finally have left their past behind.
Lina really loved her high school, and she even made new friends: There is Cheryl, who loves gossip and is a fashion addict. Chuck, a real geek who enjoys playing Dragon's Quest, and of course, Kelly. And now here we are, a few years later, Lina is 18 years old and is about to graduate. As for Sarah, she is now 7 and is a happy little girl.
Today is a significant day in Lina's life: It is her graduation day. Aunt Ayna and Sarah are both dressed up for the occasion. All the students get up and walk to the stage one after the other to receive their degrees until Lina's turn arrives.
Principal Gardner: Now, please welcome to the stage valedictorian Lina Shaw! (the audience applauds)
Lina heads to the stand. Once there, she starts to feel some pressure and looks at Sarah and her aunt, and takes a deep breath.
Lina: Thank you, everyone! (she smiles) it's all crazy to me. A few years ago, I was... (her eyes are watery, and silence settles within the audience) Well... a... I was in another world, but you already know that, as news travels fast in here (she laughs as well as the rest of the crowd). Actually, I didn't even know for how long I will be alive... (she notices a tear falling down aunt Ayna's cheek). Then, I got the opportunity with my sister to come to this beautiful country that made our dreams come true. Today, I'm living the dream, and I'm still dreaming because it seems so untrue. I want to thank my aunt, who treated us like her own daughters. I also want to thank Principal Gardner for receiving me into this great high school, where I met amazing people (looking at her friends). You were more than just friends to me, you were my companions throughout this incredible adventure. Even though I lost my family, I found a new one in you guys! Thank you, everyone! (they all applaud )
Lina walks down the stage and heads to her friends.
Lina: Hey guys!
All: Hey!
Kelly: What a speech you gave!
Lina: Oh, you give me too much credit!
Chuck: Don't be so modest! It was beautiful and I even saw a tear rolling down Cheryl's cheek.
Cheryl: That's not true! Actually, something got into my eyes, I think it was a fly or something like that!
Kelly: Suuure like when we watched Pearl Harbor! (they all laugh)
Cheryl: Say what you want guys! Anyway, what are you gonna wear for Prom Night? (she says very excited)
Kelly: Surprise!
Chuck: I'm just gonna be ME and that's enough.
Kelly: That's the point, Chuck! You have to be the opposite of yourself if you wanna catch something (winking at him)
Chuck: What about you, Lina?
Lina: I have something, just a regular dress, and that's it.
Graduation day was incredible for Lina. She finally made it, and now she is about to write a new chapter in her life, but first, one final and consequential event is left to complete this chapter: Prom Night.
YOU ARE READING
As Long as I Breathe...
RomanceLina arrives in the United States alongside her four-year-old little sister Sarah. Both have fled their country because of the war that took Lina's parents' lives. For Lina, the United States represented an opportunity to start from scratch and put...
