« I’m your mom, so I don’t have to lie. That scarf is beautiful, and so are you. »
She turned and pressed her forehead against my shoulder.
« I can’t believe it’s really happening. Graduation. Like, actual graduation. »
Her collarbones were still too sharp
« You earned every second of it. »
« Dr. Patel said I’m in remission and I still don’t know what to do with it, » she whispered. « It’s like I’ve been holding my breath for a year and someone told me I can finally let it out. »
I kissed the top of her covered head.
« Then let it out, sweetheart. Breathe. »
I remembered the day the diagnosis came, how the doctor’s voice had gone very quiet.
« You earned every second of it. »
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