The school year ended with Lucas’ last round of college finals. He was confident he did well, and there was a feeling of relief each time he left a testing room after turning in an exam.

On his way back to his apartment after his last exam, he walked on 8th Street, passing by the space that was no longer the cafe. The signs were gone and though the interior was very dark and hard to see through the windows, he could tell that there was nothing left inside.

“Are you opening?” The voice was familiar. Lucas turned and saw Irene behind him. 

“No. I don’t work here anymore. The cafe won’t be operating here anymore.”

“What?!” Irene’s eyes and mouth widened. “But, why? You were doing so well!” Lucas struggled to think of a response, since even he didn’t fully understand what was happening to the cafe.

“I’m bummed out, too.”

“Well, want to come with me to a different cafe? It won’t be the same. But we could mourn Nasenshire’s biggest loss together over some coffee,” Irene said. Lucas agreed to go with her.

“It’ll be a celebration. For the good times at Cafe En Gard,” Lucas said.

“What happened to your co-workers? They were the highlight of my morning whenever I went before class. Will they be okay?”

“I think they will.”

Graduation caused the school campus to become extremely crowded. All of the graduating students’ families and friends were coming to watch the graduation ceremony, including Lucas’ own parents. Lucas briefly met with his parents before heading to his seat amongst the other graduating students.

The ceremony began with the school chancellor giving a long speech about the school and its long history of education and excellence. Different faculty members spoke after her, until it was time for the students to line up and receive their diplomas.

When the school dean called Lucas’ name, followed by “Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology,” Lucas walked up on stage. He looked into the huge crowd of indistinguishable faces, then smiled at the camera man who stood in front of him on stage.

After he walked down and went back to his seat, it took around half an hour to call the rest of the names of the graduating students. The chancellor said a few more words, and the graduates all tossed up their caps.

Lucas took some pictures with his parents. Olivia found him and took some pictures with him as well. Even Maria dragged Lucas in for a group picture with the journal club board members.

“Congratulations, Lucas,” Mr. Smith said, appearing behind Lucas. “You did it! I hope you made some good memories in college!” Mr. Smith was holding different bouquets of flowers, and he noticed Lucas was looking at them. “Oh, one of these is for you, actually.”

“Really?” Lucas wasn’t expecting to be given anything. He thought maybe Mr. Smith was only giving him flowers because he felt bad.

“Some peculiar people came up to me earlier. One of them gave me this bouquet,” Mr. Smith handed over a bouquet, “and the other gave me this envelope.” The envelope had “Lucas” written on it. “They seemed to be in a rush and immediately left after handing me these. I don’t know any other student named Lucas, and these seem to be meant as a graduation gift. I’m pretty sure they wanted me to give these to you.”

Lucas looked at the bouquet. It was an assortment of different colored lilies, some fully bloomed and some still budding. He looked at the envelope, with his name written in familiar handwriting. He opened the envelope and there was a card inside.

Everything starts and ends. Even memories sometimes fade away. But even if a long time passes, even if every photo of us gets lost, even if you can’t remember our names or faces, the fact that we were once together and experienced a bit of life with each other is something that can never change. Good luck with everything. The world is yours. Enjoy the flowers! Actual lilies this time!

Valerie and Emilio

As tears slowly fell down his face, Lucas smiled. Though the future was filled with uncertainty, that was what made life beautiful. Lucas was ready for all the new experiences ahead of him.