~ Moving On ~
The hall buzzed with energy, echoing with excited voices and laughter. Everywhere I looked, people were smiling, celebrating the culmination of months of hard work and dedication.
It had been several months since I last saw Thorn, yet I clung to hope amid the uncertainty.
Standing among my fellow graduates, I felt proud as I looked out at the crowd. My parents, who had traveled all the way from Greece, radiated pride. Even Rich, who had once doubted my ability to graduate, shared in the joy of the moment.
"Matilda 'Ada' Rhyce!"
Applause filled the room, a chorus of support from classmates who had come to accept and embrace me. I had proven myself to them and my mentors, though I knew some still resented me, believing Thorn should be the one receiving this diploma.
As I
