Marilou was presented as a solo vocalist to be accompanied by the boys’ choir for their last number. She had a pleasant voice, and adequately hit the notes that the boys lined up behind her enhanced in gathering crescendos of harmony. As she sang Pie Jesu, Luisito smiled in recognition and nodded along in time.
This finale was well-applauded. After one last speech, the graduates were called onstage. The principal referred to Luisito as a “special student” when he was called last to receive his rolled-up parchment sheet and take his bow.
It would do for now, Cesar had been told. It could be passed off as a diploma to allow the boy to go on to high school, albeit approval from higher authorities, perhaps as high as the national education board, would still be pending.
There was hearty app
