The campus was abuzz with the pomp and circumstance of the 102nd Annual Graduation Ceremony. Under a bright, sun washed sky, seniors in black gowns and mortarboards milled about, their faces a mix of nostalgia and excitement. Among the crowd of observing underclassmen, Ariana and Kian stood together, a shared sense of relief passing between them. ⛲
They weren't there for the speeches or the tradition. Their focus was singular. As the Dean called the graduates from the Medical Faculty, they watched intently. Then, they saw him. Leo, his gait as confident as ever, strode across the stage, accepted his diploma with a practiced smile, and moved his tassel from right to left.
Ariana felt a tangible weight lift from her shoulders. The constant, unnerving presence that had shadowed her for months was finally, officially, leaving.
Kian watched him descend the stage, a figure already receding into memory. "There he goes," Kian murmured, his voice low and steady.
Ariana slipped her hand into his, lacing their fingers together. "And good riddance," she whispered back, a genuine, unburdened smile gracing her lips.
They didn't stay for the rest of the ceremony. As the crowd erupted in applause for the next graduate, they turned and walked away, the oppressive chapter of Leo firmly closed behind them. The air itself felt lighter, the path ahead clearer, as they stepped into a future free of his shadow. 🙅