Today... is the day of farewell. My last day as an elementary school student.
The morning sky looked bright, and the air felt slightly different—as if it knew this day would become an unforgettable memory. The schoolyard was decorated with pastel balloons, ribbons, and a banner that read, "Farewell & Best Wishes, Graduates!"
All the students wore their best outfits. The boys in crisp shirts and shiny shoes, the girls in pretty dresses—some even had flowers in their hair. The teachers looked elegant and cheerful too, though behind their smiles, you could see a quiet sadness in their eyes.
One by one, students and parents arrived. The air was filled with laughter, greetings, and small sobs. Farewell songs played softly from the speakers.
I stood among the crowd, staring at the small stage set in the middle of the field. Out of all the people who came today, there was only one person I had hoped for… and she was there.
Auntie Lily.
She sat in the front row with the other parents. Dressed in a soft blouse and a long skirt, her warm smile lit up when she saw me. I'd never felt so relieved.
I had purposely not told Dad or that woman. I didn't want them here ruining this moment. I told my teacher that my parents couldn't come due to urgent matters, so my aunt would be attending instead.
"Children, let's begin our farewell ceremony today," the principal spoke from the stage. Her voice echoed, and the crowd gradually quieted down.
The ceremony began. There were musical performances by some students, a reading of farewell poems, and a slideshow full of memories. Photos from the past six years played on a big screen. There were soft chuckles, but many wiped away tears in silence.
My heart thumped when my name was called.
"Raeya Evaleen Alvera, the student with the highest academic achievement of the year."
I walked to the stage. Applause echoed all around. But in the middle of all the cheering, I focused on only one thing—Auntie Lily's warm smile watching me from afar, so full of pride. I gave a small bow as I accepted the certificate, then stepped down, trying to hold back feelings I couldn't describe.
After that, each of my classmates gave a short speech. Vira cried as she thanked her teachers and friends. Layla tried to stay cheerful, though her eyes were glassy with tears.
We all sang a farewell song at the end. Holding little candles, we sang in silence, the lights dimmed.
"There's a meeting, and there will always be a parting," one of our teachers said. "But memories will always remain here…" She pointed to her chest. "...in each of our hearts."
I lowered my head. It felt like a small hole had opened in my heart. Sadness and warmth, tears and laughter—everything blended together.
But when I looked up, all that warmth vanished.
Among the crowd entering from the school gate… I saw them.
Dad… and that woman.
Celene.
They made their way through the crowd. Dad in a formal suit, Celene in a fancy dress with makeup that was far too much for a school event.
For a moment, the world froze. I wanted to look away, to pretend I didn't see them. But they had already seen me. And what made me feel sick… they smiled. As if they were the most caring parents in the world.
Why did they even come?
They wouldn't have known it was my graduation if someone—maybe one of my teachers—hadn't told them. I knew they only showed up to look like the perfect family. To show off, for appearance's sake. Not because they cared.
I tightened my grip on the certificate in my hands. Cold.
I didn't want this day ruined. I didn't want their faces tainting what should've been a beautiful memory.
And just my luck—they were heading toward Auntie Lily. Celene even waved at me, as if we were close. As if we'd ever had a real bond. I looked away, pretending not to see her.
Auntie Lily turned to me, her expression full of understanding. She knew. She always knew.
I walked over to her and hugged her tightly. I didn't need anyone else but her today. I didn't need recognition, or hugs from people who had never truly cared for me.
"Congratulations, sweetheart…" Auntie Lily whispered. "You were amazing."
I held back my tears. Today might not be perfect… but at least, I knew who really loved me.
✧༺♥༻✧
The ceremony was almost over. Teachers and students started mingling, saying their goodbyes, and taking pictures with their families. The atmosphere turned more relaxed, filled with laughter, hugs, and the constant flash of cameras.
I held my certificate tightly, then grabbed Auntie Lily's hand.
"Auntie, let's take a picture. I want to have a memory of you on this day."
She gave me a warm smile and nodded. "Of course, sweetheart."
But just as we were about to head to the photo area, a cold voice pierced the moment.
"Sorry, but family photos should be for immediate family only," Celene said in a flat but firm tone. "Auntie Lily isn't part of Raeya's family."
I froze. It felt like a blow to the chest. I glared at her. Did she really have to ruin the one thing that made me happy?
"I want to take a photo with Auntie! She is my family!" I cried out, holding back my tears.
Arvind stepped closer, his face annoyed.
"Raeya, that's enough. Come here. We're taking a picture first."
I wanted to fight back, to scream, to say everything I'd been holding in. But this wasn't the right place. Too many people. Too many eyes. All I could do was clench my fists and swallow my anger.
With heavy steps, I walked toward Dad and Celene. I stood between them, stiff, my smile fake. As the camera readied to take the shot, I glanced at Auntie Lily standing a little ways back. Was she hurt? Did Celene's words sting?
Click.
And just like that, the photo was taken—as if we were the perfect family. But everyone knew, that smile wasn't real. Not from my heart.
As soon as it was over, I turned back and ran to Auntie Lily.
"Auntie, now let's take our photo. Just us."
She looked surprised, but her eyes sparkled with joy. "Let's do it, sweetheart."
We stood side by side, and when the camera pointed our way, I smiled—truly smiled. A smile that was light, honest, and free. With Auntie, I didn't have to pretend. I really was happy.
Click.
That photo felt like a warm, everlasting hug.
Just as we finished, two familiar voices called out from behind.
"Raeya!!"
I turned to see Layla and Vira running up to me.
"We have to take a picture together too!" Layla said excitedly, eyes shining.
"Yeah! This is our last day together at this school. We might end up in different classes or schools in middle school," Vira pouted.
I laughed softly, my heart feeling lighter.
"Let's do it!" I said.
The three of us stood close, arms around each other, posing with silly expressions. One formal pose, one with peace signs, and finally, our wildest pose.
Click. Click. Click.
Our laughter mingled with the cheerful chaos around us. For a moment, I forgot the disappointment and anger. Because in the middle of all the pain, today still held warmth and beautiful memories.
Today… is a day I'll never forget.
My last day in elementary school.
A farewell that left the deepest mark on my heart.