EZH: Special Chapters

Special Chapter 7: Caspian Hernandez

Caspian Hernandez

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"Man have many struggles and frustrations in life. Those two might be different things, but for us young adults, it could be the same. One example is education. While one may argue that grades are not the basis of intelligence and that a degree is not a guarantee of success in life, we cannot take away the feeling of fulfillment that comes with graduating from a school that honed us to be the capable and equiped individuals that we are now. I would like to thank each and every graduate, like me, in here today, for not giving up. Thank you for keeping a tight grip on the ladder of formal education that lead us to this day, our graduation." I recited my impromptu graduation speech with a smile as I made eye contact to all those people who helped me go this far. Hanggang sa matapos ang speech ko ay hindi maalis ang saya sa mga mata ko. "Congratulations to all of us!"

The crowd stood up and applaud for me. I am Caspian Hernandez, graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management. graduating with the highest latin honors, Summa Cum Laude.

"Cum! Lau! De! Cum! Cum! Lau! Lau! De! De!" Sigaw ng mga tukmol sa likod sa pangunguna ni Hope na kasabay ko nag-graduate. Rinig na rinig ko hanggang dito sa stage iyong tawanan nila. Mga baliw talaga.

Binalaan ko na 'yang mga 'yan kahapon na 'wag gamitin iyong cheer na ginawa nila para sa akin. This is a formal event for fucks sake! Tapos ichi-cheer nila ako nang ganyan!

I sighed.

Hanggang sa makababa ako ng stage ay malakas pa rin ang hiyawan ng mga baliw. They were all going against the rues of proper decorum our families had instilled in us. Pero okay lang. Kasi masaya sila.

Lahat naman siguro, handang lumabag sa kahit anong pesteng rule ng buhay para lang sumaya, eh. And that's okay. As long as in the end, there would be no regrets.

Just happiness.

And speaking of happiness, I have mine walking towards me with the biggest smile she can manage plastered on her face.

Looking at her while holding my diploma sent me to another dimension of happy bubbles that promises a thousand days of unending happiness.

She launched herself to me, engulfing me in a loving hug only she can provide.

"Congatulations, love."

My smile grew impossibly wider. I cupped her cheeks with both my hands before I gave her a quick, deep kiss.

Hoots and hollers were heard. Pero wala na akong pakialam. Masaya ako, eh.

"'Yown! Jackpot na va?" Malakas na sigaw ni Asher na ikinatawa naming lahat.

Nagkagulo na sila ulit. Kahit palabas na kami ng auditorium ay hindi pa rin mawala wala iyong asaran, kulitan at sigawan nila.

I sighed.

Magulo ang pamilya ko, but what could I say?

I love them all.

*****

I posted this because I want to congratulate my close friend who is a cum laude! Congrats to you kahit di mo naman 'to mababasa 😂 Basta para sa 'yo 'tong chapter na 'to. Mahal ka namin! 💜