Chapter 4
Hazel's POV
June sunlight streamed through the auditorium's stained glass windows, casting colors across every young face. Today was our graduation ceremony.
I sat in the front row wearing my black cap and gown, feeling surprisingly calm. Three days ago I was watching Brent and Sienna's sweetness at the beach, but now that felt like ancient history.
"Now, let's welcome our top 5% honor graduate, Hazel Martinez, to the stage," the principal's voice echoed through the auditorium. "She has been accepted to multiple prestigious universities and will represent our graduating class."
Thunderous applause erupted. I stood up, feeling hundreds of eyes on me.
Walking toward the podium, I scanned the crowd. Mom sat in the third row, tears of pride in her eyes. Brent sat in the student section, whispering with Sienna beside him, seemingly uninterested in my speech.
Perfect. Keep being lost in your little world.
I approached the podium and adjusted the microphone. The auditorium fell silent.
"Dear teachers, classmates, and parents," I began, "today we're stepping out of these doors into a new chapter of life."
"At this special moment, I want to talk about choices." My gaze swept the audience, seeing some students start paying attention, but Brent still focused on Sienna. "Everyone's life is full of choices. Choosing schools, majors, friends, partners."
Mom nodded and smiled below, thinking I was discussing general life philosophy.
But only I knew these words had deeper meaning.
"Some choices seem safe and comfortable because they meet others' expectations, conforming to ideas we've been taught since childhood." I paused, letting the words sink in. "But true growth comes from courageously choosing your own path, not clinging to others' will."
This made some students focus more intently. I saw Sarah looking at me with a hint of confusion.
"Each of us is an independent individual with our own talents and dreams. These talents shouldn't be buried, these dreams shouldn't be sacrificed." My voice grew more determined. "No matter what others think or expect, we should take responsibility for our own lives."
"Some might say love is more important than dreams. But I ask—if someone truly loves you, would they want you to give up your future for them?"
This question caused a subtle stir in the auditorium. I saw surprise flash in Mom's eyes as she realized this wasn't a typical graduation speech.
Brent finally looked up at me, frowning, seeming to sense something.
"True love supports your partner in becoming their best self, not turning them into an appendage." I continued, feeling unprecedented strength, "So dear classmates, please courageously pursue your own oceans of stars. Don't choose to settle out of fear of loneliness. Don't betray your heart because of others' opinions."
Scattered applause began, then gradually built into thunderous clapping.
I saw Mom wiping tears, saw light ignite in some classmates' eyes, and saw Brent looking at me with confusion.
"Finally, I want to say—may we all take responsibility for our choices, may we all shine on our respective paths." I bowed deeply. "Thank you."
After the ceremony, everyone gathered on the school lawn for photos.
"Hazel!" Mom ran over and hugged me. "Sweetie, your speech was amazing! I'm so proud of you!"
"Thanks, Mom." I hugged her tightly.
Then Brent's mom Linda approached with an excited smile.
"Hazel, your speech today was so moving!" Linda grabbed my mom's hand. "Both our kids are so outstanding—I'm just thrilled!"
Mom smiled and nodded. "Yes, the kids grew up together, and now they're going to college together. We parents are so relieved."
Going to college together. I smiled. What would your expressions be if you knew the truth?
"I've already started planning," Linda said excitedly. "When the kids get to Michigan State, we can take turns visiting them. Maybe even go together!"
"Wonderful!" Mom's eyes sparkled. "The kids have each other, and we have each other. This arrangement is perfect!"
I stood nearby, quietly listening to two mothers planning a future that would never happen.
"Hazel."
A voice came from behind. I turned to see Brent approaching, with Sienna following closely.
"Your speech today... was unusual." Brent looked at me, eyes full of confusion. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
I looked at his serious expression, feeling an indescribable emotion.
"Nothing special." I smiled faintly. "Just some graduation thoughts."
Sienna smiled sweetly beside him. "Hazel spoke so well! We really should take responsibility for our choices."
How convenient of you to chime in.
"By the way, Hazel." Brent's expression grew concerned. "You seem... different lately? Since we got back from the beach, I feel like you've been distancing yourself from us."
"Have I?" I asked back. "Maybe it's nervousness about facing a new environment. After all, we're starting college soon."
Just then, a photographer's voice called from across the lawn.
"Come on, everyone! Time for graduation photos! All students line up!"
Everyone began lining up for group photos. The photographer spotted Brent and me, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Hazel and Brent, you two stand in the middle!" he directed enthusiastically. "Didn't you grow up together? You should stand together! Come on, get closer!"
Before, hearing words like this would have made me ecstatic. Now, I just politely shook my head.
"The group photo is fine," I said calmly. "With everyone together."
Brent looked at me, hurt flashing in his eyes. "Hazel, what's wrong? Let's take a photo together, as a memento."
"No need." My voice was calm. "The group photo is more meaningful."
The photographer looked confused but arranged positions as I requested.
During the photo, I deliberately chose to stand with the honor students, alongside other high achievers.
Some of these students were heading to Harvard, others to Stanford, some to MIT. And I would soon join their ranks—as a Northwestern student.
This is where I belong.
