bouquet

The entire morning passed in a blur. Today was my 11th-grade graduation—a long-awaited day, but my heart was empty. My four brothers—Kaelum, Obsidian, Elias, and Sol—had apologized in advance, saying they had important things to do. I tried not to show my disappointment, but tears treacherously welled up in my eyes.

The hall was enormous, the chandeliers sparkled, and the clock counted down the minutes to the end of my school life. And then, my name was announced.

— Astra is invited to receive the award!

I walked onto the stage, the applause drowning out my thoughts. Looking up, I saw them on the balcony: all four of them in black suits. There was an unmistakable pride on their faces.

Kaelum nodded, Obsidian winked, Elias smiled, and Sol, overpowering the noise of the hall, said quietly:

• We have a gift for you, sister, we gave you a huge bouquet.