Our Last Summer

Eventually, I was called to the stage to receive my diploma. It was only a few minutes of my life, but they were defining moments. As much as I felt happy that I had completed high school with flying colors, I also felt disappointed that a major part of my life had finally come to a close. Like a book at its final note, my life in high school had met its end. My adventures in life, however, were just beginning. Standing there on the podium, as I received my graduation certificate, I was joined by my classmates and teachers as we presented our graduation speeches. Through it all, I couldn't help but miss the presence of my two dear friends Mark and Kevin on such a memorable night. Our graduation coats and caps were well tailored! My friends and I had initially planned on throwing our graduation caps at our professors after the ceremony, but when the moment arrived, none of us had the nerve to do so and ended throwing them up towards the night sky. Graduation at night, probably not common, but ours was beautiful. Mom and Dad believed that the ceremony could have been done better, but I liked it just the way it was with my friends, my family, and all those who I loved and cared for in my company that night. Following the ceremony was a buffet that was set up in the main quad. I didn't indulge in any foods and rather spent my time bidding farewell to several of my friends and teachers. I was going to miss them all. I was going to miss this school. I was going to miss her too...Rose... I had applied for universities in Canada and Australia, but a decision was yet to be made on where I would go. The possibilities were up in the air. I knew that for this one night, I had to dedicate my time for my friends. My parents realized this too, and forbid me to return home before 4 a.m. the next morning, providing me ample time to attend the graduation party later in the night. After all we had gone through, we had finally made it. For tonight, I just wanted to lose myself in the company of my friends. For a few of us who were set to leave the country in the following week, this would be our last night together. My family and I were to travel back to India this summer. If I am not accepted in any of the Canadian or Australian universities, it was highly probable that I would find a university in India and would not return to Sudan. My only regret was that I hadn't come close to talking intimately with Rose about my feelings for her. Time, and life had swept us in its wake, and all that we had to share in our friendship had been nothing more than each others' company and laughter. A part of my heart questioned my feelings for her, and the anxiety to share my love with her. Meanwhile, another side of my heart was warm and happy with the way things were between us. I realized that even if I didn't have the chance to change any of this now, our memories were good enough for me at the moment, and I felt it would be best to leave it that way. I will miss her, Tina, Cindy, Hank, Mark, and Kevin. I will miss all my friends. No matter what happened between us in the past, they were all my friends, and we had all been together through high school. That will never change. Walking back home after the party that night, I had tears in my eyes, wishing I had been given more time, that I could relive the past four years of my life. Already, I could feel the distance and a sinking feeling of separation from my friends. I wondered then if I would ever see them again in my life. I will miss everything in Sudan, and at the school: the gardens, the courtyard, the cafeteria benches, the trees, the sandy smell of the air, the touch of the soft grass, the summer heat, the silly moments, the funny memories, and the laughter and company of my friends, teachers, and family. I will miss the reality of life that I lived for the last four years in Sudan, all of it. Yet, I could also foresee a day when I would revisit the country. The future would prove me right. I would learn that even in the distance, love will always find a way. These were the thoughts, and feelings that ran through my mind, and heart that night. It had been fun. I had no clue as to what the future held for me at that point, but if there was one thing I understood, it was that as much as life had been a great mystery to me for all these years, tonight, with my friends and family beside me, I couldn't help but find life more simple and beautiful than ever before. Indeed, all was well...