Chapter 167
Mia couldn’t contain her joy. She was graduating today.
379%%
As she stood there, in the middle of the packed hall, her heart swelled. Her chest rose and fell with every deep breath she took, trying to steady her
emotions.
She felt her eyes sting with tears, the kind that only came from moments that were bigger than words could explain. But she quickly blinked them back, forcing them not to fall.
She chuckled softly to herself, almost in disbelief. She really made it through school.
She knew, better than anyone, how many times she wanted to give up. How many nights she stayed up late into the night with a crying baby in one hand and an unfinished assignment in the other.
How many early mornings she dragged herself out of bed before the sun came up, just to study before Aiden woke up.
She remembered sitting at the back of class, exhausted beyond reason, trying not to drift off as lectures went on. She remembered having to walk out to make a quick call to the daycare, her heart in her throat every time she heard something had gone wrong.
It wasn’t just school. It was everything else too. Being pregnant, juggling classes, nursing a newborn, trying to keep up with schoolwork. Then taking care of a growing toddler who needed her attention, her time, her everything..while still juggling classes.
Nah. She should give herself a medal.
She did so well. So, so well.
She smiled to herself as her name was called.
“Mia Turner!”
The words echoed through the speakers, and for a second, everything slowed down. Her smile widened, and she could feel her heart thumping against her ribs as she walked forward. She jumped slightly as she climbed up the stage, still smiling, still beaming.
The lights on the stage were bright, and for a moment, she felt like she was in a dream. This felt unreal. Absolutely unreal.
As she looked out into the crowd, her eyes searched until they landed on them–her people. Her family.
Her face broke into an even wider smile.
Ethan was whistling, not caring that it was loud or that people were staring. Aiden was clapping with so much excitement, his small hands moving quickly, and his face lit up with pride. Her mom was crying, Ann and Lily were also clapping, big smiles on their faces.
This moment right here was worth everything.
All the breakdowns. All the tears. All the times she felt like the world was against her. It was all worth it. Because she made it. She really did.
And the best part? Her son was here to see it.
He would always remember that his mom didn’t just survive–she fought. She fought hard for him, for herself, for their future.
As she stood there, cap slightly tilted, robe swaying around her, she held onto the certificate with shaky hands. Not because she was scared. But because this paper, this moment, meant the world to her.
This was her dream, for a long time. The dream she saved for.
The dream she thought was impossible to achieve.
1/3
ZUZ Sat, Aug
Chapter 167
She stole another glance at Alden. He was still clapping, still smiling.
She smiles.
She’s so happy
Her cheeks hurt from smiling too much, but she didn’t care.
As the ceremony ended and graduates reunited with their families, she walked out with a wide grin, her eyes still glassy from holding back tears.
“Congratulations, Mama,” Aiden said sweetly, holding out a small bouquet of flowers in his little hands.
Mia’s heart squeezed at the sight. “Thanks, baby. For me?” she asked, pretending to be surprised as she gestured to the flowers.
Aiden nodded with pride, his little chuckle making her want to cry all over again. She bent forward and pressed a loud kiss on his cheek.
“Oh, I love you,” she said as she scooped him up into her arms. Then she gasped dramatically and winced, bending slightly and pretending her back hurt. “Oh no! What have you been eating, pumpkin? Mummy can’t pick you up anymore!”
Aiden burst into laughter, the sweetest sound she had ever heard.
“Mama, rice!” he declared excitedly, grinning from ear to ear.
Mia laughed, brushing his curls away from his forehead. “Oh really? Grandma spoils you with a lot of food, huh?”
Aiden nodded eagerly.
From behind her, a familiar voice chimed in. “Congratulations, child.”
Mia turned, still holding Aiden, as her mother stepped forward with open arms.
Mia kissed Aiden’s cheek and gently set him down, then stepped into her mother’s embrace. Her mother held her tightly.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered into Mia’s ear. “Well done.”
Mia smiled, her heart full. “Thank you, Mom.”
Before she could catch her breath, her feet lifted off the ground as strong arms wrapped around her waist. She let out a surprised squeal, laughing.
“Ethan!” she cried.
He grinned as he set her down gently. “Congratulations,” he said, pulling her into a tighter hug.
“Thank you,” she said, leaning against her older brother’s shoulder for a second.
Then she turned to her sisters, Ann and Lily, who were standing nearby. They looked slightly awkward but approached her anyway.
Mia stepped forward and hugged Ann first, then Lily. It wasn’t warm and fuzzy, but it was something. Better than what they had back in Willowcrest. The
air between them now was lighter, less hostile. There was still a distance, but the tension was gone.
Lily wrinkled her nose and sighed. “Can’t believe I’m saying this,” she muttered. “But… I’m proud of you.”
Mia chuckled. “Thanks. That must have sounded painful for you to say.”
Lily smirked. “It was.”
Ann stepped forward again. “Congratulations,” she said, her smile small but sincere.
2/3
12:02 Sat, 9 Aug
Chapter 167
“Thank you,” Mia replied with a nod.
They all stood together in a small circle–her family. Imperfect, but hers.
She never thought in a million years she would call them that…. Or that they will be this close or even support her education.
They’ve really come a long way
“So… what’s next?” Ann asked curiously.
Mia glanced down as Aiden wrapped his tiny arms around her legs again, his head resting against her legs. She reached down and gently rubbed his head, fingers running through his soft hair.
She didn’t answer right away. Her mind was spinning with thoughts.
She knew the answer. She had made up her mind already.
She had to talk to her son first. About moving. About leaving.
To another country.
She looked up at her family again, all of them still watching her, waiting for a response. But she smiled softly, giving nothing away just yet.
She needs to do this with a leap of faith.
3/3
