Two and a half years later~
Evaline:
"Eva! Over here-just one more!"
I turned, already smiling before the words fully registered, and lifted my hand in a small wave as another group of classmates called me over. The camera flashed again, and I held the pose for a second longer before finally letting out a soft laugh.
"Alright, that's the last one," I said, though I had already said that at least five times in the past fifteen minutes.
They laughed, thanked me, and I finally managed to slip away.
My cheeks hurt from smiling, my feet hurt from standing, and yet... I had never felt lighter. Happier. Freer.
The front courtyard of the academy was buzzing with energy - graduates in their robes, families gathered in small groups, laughter echoing through the air, and flashes of cameras going off every few seconds.
The scent of early morning rain mixed with the breeze made the atmosphere even more perfect.
