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“She strives to inspire other people to live a meaningful life, one that is beyond self. Ladies and gentlemen, to give the response on behalf of the graduating batch—”

Nicole felt like she was about to pee from excitement as she waited for the university administrator to call her name. The administrator was currently delivering a speech at their graduation ceremony.

This was the day Nicole had been waiting for the most—the day when all her hardships and perseverance to finish her studies would finally pay off.

“Our university’s summa cum laude, from the College of Aeronautical Engineering—Natalia Nicolette Lorenzo.”

A thunderous round of applause erupted from the professors, her fellow graduates, and even the guests attending the university’s graduation ceremony.

Proudly, Nicole stood up from her seat and walked toward the stage, wearing her black graduation gown. She was greeted with a warm smile by one of her favorite professors—one of the people who helped her get to where she was today.

“That’s an incredible honor you’ve received, Miss Lorenzo, but why do you look so sad?”

Professor Dela Fuente greeted her with a smile. Nicole forced a smile in return and, before receiving the medal and diploma she had worked so hard for over the years, she scanned the crowd one last time. Just like before, the seats she had reserved for her family were still empty.

It seemed her family was serious when they told her they had no intention of wasting their time watching her receive the highest honor from their university.

With a heavy heart, Nicole forced another smile and nodded at the kind professor. She could still hear the loud applause from the audience, but Professor Dela Fuente was right—despite achieving such a prestigious honor, she couldn’t bring herself to feel completely happy.

No matter how great her achievements were, she still had no family who was willing to support her, no one to proudly say, “We are so proud of you.”

“Congratulations, my dear.”

The university administrator greeted her with a smile. Nicole returned the smile and shook the administrator’s outstretched hand, receiving the gold medal that signified she was the only student among all the university graduates to achieve the highest distinction.

She held back her tears as she slowly reached for the medal. Unlike most of her fellow graduates, who had family members accompany them on stage to place the medal around their necks and hand them their diplomas, she had no one. She only had herself.

And so, she would be the one to receive the medal. She would be the one to put it around her own neck.

Tears welled up in her eyes even more when Professor Dela Fuente stepped forward and took the medal from the administrator. Nicole couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. The kind professor smiled at her as if silently reassuring her that she wasn’t alone.

Nicole quickly removed the black graduation cap from her head and bowed deeply in gratitude as Professor Dela Fuente placed the gold medal around her neck.

“Th-thank you, ma’am.”

Nicole expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the professor, who simply smiled and gently placed the cap back on her head.

“Congratulations, my dear. You still have a speech to give, so wipe those tears.”

The professor said teasingly. Nicole responded with a tight hug, which the professor returned warmly.

A few moments later, the professor gently pushed her toward the podium where she would deliver her speech.

Nicole quickly walked to the podium, feeling nervous.

“G-good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Two weeks before the graduation ceremony, one of my professors asked me to write an amazing speech for all of you. I spent many nights thinking about what to say, but honestly, I couldn’t come up with anything. To be honest, standing here in front of you feels like standing in the middle of dangerous dinosaurs—it’s terrifying.”

A wave of laughter rippled through the audience. Nicole forced a smile and took a deep breath before continuing.

“I realized that instead of standing here and talking about random things tonight, why not take this opportunity to express my gratitude?

Gratitude to the dedicated professors who not only sharpened my mind but also the minds of my fellow students.

Gratitude to the parents who are here today, supporting their children—which made me think to say… Mama and Papa, this honor is for you.”

Nicole sincerely raised her gold medal and looked up at the sky, where countless stars greeted her. She forced another smile as she wiped away the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

“I also want to thank Montefalco Spinfluence Aircraft Corporation for helping me achieve my dream of graduating. Thank you for your unwavering support of scholars like me.

I am Natalia Nicolette Lorenzo—proud to say, summa cum laude, and finally a graduate of aeronautical engineering. Thank you all once again, and good evening.”

As Nicole finished her speech, another round of thunderous applause filled the venue.

She quickly stepped down from the stage and was immediately surrounded by her classmates and friends.

“Congratulations, Nicole! We are all very proud of you!”

Her friend Leah greeted her with a wide smile. Nicole returned the smile and took the initiative to hug her.

“I’m proud of you too, Leah. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me.”

Nicole said sincerely.

“What do you mean? What help?”

Leah feigned ignorance, making Nicole playfully roll her eyes, which only made Leah laugh.

Nicole truly owed a lot to Leah. She had been the one she often borrowed money from—for transportation, food, projects, and all sorts of expenses whenever her salary from her fast-food job or tutoring gig was delayed.

“That’s nothing. I should be the one thanking you. I admit my brain isn’t the sharpest. If it weren’t for your help in improving my studies, I don’t think I would have made it to graduation.”

Leah said with a laugh.

She wasn’t wrong. Nicole didn’t exactly agree that Leah was “dumb,” but she did everything she could to help her. Despite her busy schedule with part-time jobs and side hustles, she always found time to tutor Leah so she could pass their tests, quizzes, and exams.

“By the way, after the ceremony, I wanted to invite you to my house. My dad and my siblings are throwing a party for me.”

Nicole paused for a moment to think if she could go. It was still early, barely 8 PM, so her Aunt Norma probably wouldn’t scold her for attending a celebration—after all, it was her graduation too.

“Nicole, dear, congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”

Nicole’s attention was caught when Leah’s mother suddenly approached and hugged her tightly. She smiled at the gesture, especially when she felt Leah’s reassuring touch on her shoulder.

“Thank you so much, ma’am,” she politely responded as Leah’s mother let go of her. However, the older woman frowned.

“Ma’am? Oh, you silly girl, I’ve told you many times to call me ‘Tita.’”

She spoke in a mock-hurt tone. Nicole scratched her head awkwardly and forced a smile.

“I’m sorry, T-tita. I’m just not used to it.”

“That’s okay, don’t worry about it. Did Leah tell you about the party later?” she asked with a smile. Feeling shy, Nicole simply nodded.

“Make sure to come with us, okay? By the way, where’s your family?” Leah’s mother asked while glancing around.

Nicole scratched her head again, unsure how to respond. She wanted to say, ‘My family doesn’t care about me, so they didn’t even bother coming here,’ but of course, she couldn’t.

“T-they were busy, so they couldn’t make it,” she lied with a forced smile.

Leah widened her eyes at her, clearly knowing she wasn’t telling the truth and was once again covering for the people she still called family. Nicole simply smiled at Leah, hoping to reassure her.

“Oh, alright then. Just make sure you come with us later, okay? You have to be there,” Leah’s mother reminded her again. Nicole nodded with a smile.

She wasn’t sure if it was right to attend the party, knowing that if she did, she would likely face trouble when she got home. But whatever. Hopefully, Aunt Norma and her older sisters would understand that she just wanted to celebrate her graduation, even for a little while.

Nicole’s jaw almost dropped when she saw how beautifully decorated Leah’s house was. From the outside, colorful lights lit up the entire area, and butterfly ornaments adorned the place, making it look like a scene from a fairy tale. The theme colors were pink and purple.

“Hey, are you sure this is a graduation party? It looks more like a debut,” Nicole whispered to Leah as soon as she got out of the car. Leah just laughed and pulled her toward the back entrance.

They went straight to Leah’s room, where two gorgeous gowns—one pink and one purple—were waiting. Nicole was stunned when Leah excitedly handed her the purple gown and said,

“Take off your graduation robe and put this on.”

“Huh? Why would I wear this? This is your party. I’d look ridiculous if I dressed like you,” Nicole asked in confusion. Leah just laughed again.

Leah’s family was wealthy. They had been friends since elementary school because, despite their status, Leah’s parents enrolled her in a public school. They met when Leah was bullied by their classmates after getting a zero on an exam back in third grade.

“Mom and my sister wanted you to be part of the celebration, and of course, I do too. You’re like a sister to me, and we’re very grateful for all your help since we were kids. So stop complaining and just put this on so we can start the party!” Leah said playfully as she helped Nicole take off her toga.

“Doesn’t your neck hurt from all these heavy medals hanging around it?” Leah asked curiously as she carefully took off Nicole’s medals and placed them in an expensive-looking bag.

“No, haha!” Nicole laughed.

Leah excitedly helped her change, and despite feeling a little reluctant to participate, Nicole eventually smiled and nodded. Even though their gowns and the party decorations made them look like little girls rather than college graduates, she couldn’t help but feel excited.

“Cheer up, Nicole. Everyone knows this party is for you and Leah. Enjoy yourself, dear,” Leah’s father greeted her warmly as they descended the grand staircase. Nicole shyly smiled and glanced around.

Her jaw dropped again when she saw that Leah wasn’t joking. Written on the stage in stunning calligraphy were the words:

“HAPPY GRADUATION, LEAH AND NICOLE!”