Chapter 14 - THE WOMAN WHO FINISHED WHAT SHE STARTED
Two years later, I stood in a Columbia University auditorium wearing a dark-blue graduation gown.
My hands were shaking.
Not from fear.
From disbelief.
I had finished my degree.
After years of working multiple jobs.
After becoming a mother.
After losing the future I thought I wanted.
I had returned.
And I had finished.
When my name was called, I walked across the stage.
The applause blurred.
I accepted my diploma.
Then looked toward the audience.
Lily stood on her chair, waving both arms.
“THAT'S MY MOMMY!”
Everyone nearby laughed.
Ethan stood beside her.
He was smiling.
Proudly.
Openly.
Without embarrassment.
I began crying.
After the ceremony, Lily ran toward me.
“Mommy! You did it!”
I scooped her into my arms.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
She kissed my cheek.
“I'm proud.”
I laughed through tears.
“Thank you.”
Ethan approached.
He held a bouquet of sunflowers.
I stared.
“You remembered.”
He smiled.
“You hate roses.”
I laughed.
“Still.”
He handed me the flowers.
“Congratulations, Dr. Alvarez.”
I shook my head.
“Not yet.”
He grinned.
“Then I'll save that for later.”
May you like
I smiled.
For the first time, the future felt wide open.
