Chapter 7

The time flew by fast, and the cold winter became warm as the leaves started to grow and flowers bloomed. Spring had come. O-hana High School's students were filled with a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and melancholy as today was the day the seniors were graduating.

The cherry blossoms were falling from the trees beautifully as the students lined up in the gymnasium while the principal gave his speech. The ceremony went smoothly and simply. As the representatives of each class gave their farewell speeches on stage, Hanako's hands became damp with cold sweat. She was her class's representative, which meant she needed to go on stage to deliver her speech.

Hanako's turn came, and she was now standing on the podium to deliver her speech. "Good morning to all our distinguished guests, teachers, friends, and of course, my fellow graduates." Hanako started looking at the crowd of people watching her from below the stage.

"Today was a very special day for all of us as we stand here after facing different hardships that helped us all to shape ourselves to become proper adults. As we graduate, we looked back to all of the memories and connections we've made throughout our years in this school," She said as she reminisced about all the memories she'd made in school, both good and bad memories were special to her as those memories became a part of who she were today.

"I would like to thank the teachers for their patience and guidance, our families for their undying love and support. And to all of my classmates, thank you for the friendships and for making my highschool memorable." She bowed then smiled to the crowd after. "Congratulations to all of us graduates!" She said, then pumped a fist up. "We made it!"

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After the ceremony the students were now scattered throughout the school. Some were touring the school for the memory trip, some were chatting with their friends excitedly about their future plans, and others were taking pictures as if they're in a pictorial or something, and then there's Hanako who's standing in the middle of the pathway from the school gates to the school's main building, feeling the warmth and listening to the noise of highschool as the petals of cherry blossom trees were falling everywhere making the scene more vibrant and oddly, tranquil.

As Hanako was in the middle as if she's the main protagonist of some novel, she's fairly easy to find. Her classmates mobbed her with questions about her future plans, like for example; where would she enroll for college or if she have plans on becoming a professional writer. Of course Hanako answered them with a smile on her face. They took pictures with their entire class and others were on smaller groups until Hanako heard someone yelling her name.

She looked to where the voice comes from only to find Chieko waving at her wit a bouquet of flowers on her hand, and her mother Iris not too far from Chieko also with flowers on hand. They looked at each other as if asking who's who, as Hanako approached them.

"Chieko-nee! I didn't expect that you'd come!" Hanako said as she gave Chieko a hug which the other returns.

"Of course I would! Congratulations on graduating Hanako! I'm so proud of you!" Chieko said excitedly and then she looked at Iris before she asked, "Who's she Hanako?"

"Oh, right! I haven't introduced you to each other yet. Chieko-nee, this mis my mother, Iris," Hanako said as she took her mother's hand to pull her to them closer. "And mom, this is Chieko-nee. I've told you about her before right?" She said looking at her mother.

Iris seemed to recognize the name and she offered her hand for a handshake. "So, you're Chieko. I've heard about you from Hanako. You're her editor, right? It's nice to finally meet you."

Chieko took the hand offered to her and shake it. "Likewise, Iris-san. Now I know why Hanako's too polite and kind." Chieko said cheerfully. "And also her beautiful face!" She added wiggling her brows.

The mother and daughter duo chuckled, "Oh, you flatter me too much. You're more beautiful Chieko-san." Iris said and the conversation went on.

Hanako was glad that the two were getting along so well as if they've known each other for years. They talked to themselves about Hanako the entire time before they decided to go get something to eat and to also celebrate Hanako's graduation. But of course, they took pictures at the banner on the gate that says, 'Congratulations Graduates!' that's some kind of tradition after all.

At the restaurant, they took a private booth and are now seated with all sorts of food on the table.

"I'm glad that you could come mom," Hanako said as they started to get comfortable.

"Oh, I wouldn't miss my daughter's graduation no matter what!" Iris then took Hanako's hand that's on top of the table and rubbed it gently. "You're my only child, so, of course, you're my top priority." She added.

"That's right, Hanako-chan!" Chieko chirped in, "That's how mother's are! They always prioritize their chicks," she joyfully said as she pucked a few dishes and put it on Hanako's rice bowl. Unbeknownst to her, Hanako stiffened and Iris rubbed comforting circle's on her daughter's hand.

"Alright! We should eat now before the food gets cold," Chieko then started digging in making the two smile helplessly as they start eating, themselves.

After the hearty meal they all went on their separate ways and Hanako brought her mother to her apartment.

"Hanako?" Iris called out to her daughter as she sat on the couch. "Have you decided what to do after this? Will you go to college or just continue writing?" She asked.

Hanako released a few short stories in books too and that technically cemented her future as an author, so, Iris was curious what her daughter's plans.

"I already applied for Tokyo University mom." Hanako answered as she sat beside her mom, leaning her head on her mom's shoulder. "I took liberal arts though, is that okay with you?" She asked.

Iris put a hand on her daughter's head, running her fingers to Hanako's hair. "Of course, it's okay. Whatever you want to do in life, I'll support you. As long as it's not harmful for you or for anyone, I'll back you up." She said as her fingers continue to run through Hanako's hair.

"Thank you mom, I really appreciate it." Hanako said as she moved even closer to her mother. "I'm so happy you're my mother." Hanako said but she somehow looks downcast.

Iris leaned her head on top of her daughter's head heaving a sigh as she hugged her. "No matter what happens Hanako, I'll always be with you. I'm your mother and you're my daughter, now and forever."

The two radiated with warm love that filled Hanako's entire apartment as the younger one eventually falls asleep on her mother's warm and gentle caress.