Chapter 62 Lily graduates from Junior High School.

It was the day at last. It felt surreal to stand there in the auditorium amongst other proud parents and watch my daughter, Lily, walk across the stage to be handed her diploma. The room was abuzz with excitement, the air thick with the feeling of the dreams that were about to launch—young and out into the world. I just could not believe my little girl, who seemed to have only just started school, was now graduating junior high. Lily had risen early that morning—far earlier than usual. Her excitement kept her awake most of the night, and when I went to check on her, she was already dressed up in her cap and gown, with bright eyes and burning enthusiasm. "Mom, I can't believe it's today," she had said, her voice trembling a little with nerves. I smiled, pulling her into a hug. "I'm so proud of you, Lily. You have worked so hard for this. Today is your day." On the way to school, Kai, Lily, and I chatted about the journey that had brought her to this point. We remembered her first da