Chapter 2: Ceremony

Apollo

Apollo stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tailor-made suit that insinuated his best traits. Despite his power figure, "Business suits" amused him. He always thought of them as a societal membership of good virtues. But he knows firsthand that the most dangerous people are not those terrorizing the streets but those in judgment robes, blue-collar shirts, and fancy suits. The ones with their noses high in the air.

There was a knock at the door. "You may enter."

In walked

Austin passed him a light smile. "I can assure you, the honor is all mine. I came to inform you the car is secured and awaits you at the front entrance, Mr. River."

"I will down in a moment."

"Of course, Mr. River."

"Can you fetch Parker for me?"

"As you wish, Mr. River."

"I am already here. No need to fetch me. What, are you going to give me a chew toy next?" Parker grimaced.

"Only if you are a good boy." Apollo teased.

Parker was not pleased. "I love you like a brother, but you can jump off the steepest cliff." he walked out fuming.

Apollo laughed, following behind him. "I was joking. Parker!"

"Hurry up! We have a ceremony to attend."

"Hey, I'm the boss."

"Chop chop."

∞∞∞

A nostalgic feeling came over me as he sat on stage as an Alumni. Today is the day I commemorate the University of Washington graduation class of 2018. The chairs lined the floor, and the family members that filled the stadium brought back memories of my college days. Late night studying, early morning test. Now, I will stand before the graduating class as an Alumnus and of the biggest sponsors.

"I wished my parents were here to witness all I have done." I thought to myself.

The music started playing as the Chancellor led the graduating class down the finish line. Again, a sense of pride overcame me.

Chancellor Smith stood at the podium. "Good morning, family, friends, and graduating class of 2018. I know you are excited, so why don't I get right to it? Today I am honored to welcome a young fellow who graduated from this University five years ago. A man who needs no introduction, my fellow Huskies, give a warm welcome to our very own Apollo River."

The gymnasium erupted in applause as I walked up to the podium with the biggest smile.

"You all are too kind. Please be seated. I was told I tend to be long-winded on more than one occasion, but I will try to make this short and sweet."

I cleared my throat. "As an Alumni, I am delighted to extend a liberal welcome as we celebrate the academic achievements of our graduates.

These few years may not have been kind, but this is the beginning of a self-written story. I hope for all of your days, you all cherish the sleepless nights, studying until your eyes grew teary and writing until your fingertips formed calluses. Building bonds, adapting, and growing in difficult times is a lesson no classroom can teach. Your paths will be unique, but great achievers like myself had people like roots in a tree that nourished my success. You, your family, and your friends should be proud of making it to the end. So many were with you initially, some have failed, but you are here. Graduands, my heartfelt congratulations to you and your families, and my best wishes for your personal and professional successes. I know you will make your alma mater proud. Thank you." The applause, the hoots, and the awe swarmed my heart as I returned to my seat.

"That was a lovely speech, Mr. River. We will continue with the ceremony by handing the mic to a young lady who brings joy to my heart and that I'm sure many of you. So give another warm Husky hoorah for our Livia Moon."

A beautiful woman with skin that flourished in its mahogany essence, eyes that competed with the night sky, and a smile that emulated the twinkling stars walks from the front row to the stage. "How did I not notice her before?" I was gobsmacked. Every ounce of my being was on her.

She confidently strolled to the podium, briefly making eye contact with me. If it weren't for the rapid pacing of my heart, she would have sucked me in. Never has a woman ever made me feel so intrigued yet cautious.

"Livia Moon." her name brushes my tongue like an exquisite wine.

∞∞∞

Livia

Apollo is right there. I gave him a slight bow of the head as a sign of respect, and he gave me one back in return. Oh my god, I felt so giddy inside. Being acknowledged by someone I've admired from a distance was surreal, but this is not the time to freak out. I took a deep breath. Okay, you got this.

"I wasn't sure whether bringing my purple and gold foam finger was appropriate, so I must abstain."

"Go, Huskies." One of the students yelled from the audience.

I wiped away my fake tears. "Harry the Husky would be so proud of your school spirit." Confidence grew in me, hearing the light laughter coming from the audience.

"First, thank you to the students' friends and families celebrating this commencement. Many of us would not be here today without your support, and I am no exception. I would also like to thank the professors, administrative professionals, and Apollo River, CEO of Apollo Enterprise. You all played a crucial part in making this University the prestigious institution of higher learning it has become. To be the Summa Cum Laude of the University of Washington graduating class of 2018 is an honor beyond my limited understanding. However, beyond this school's pragmatic and vocational aims, there is a natural and powerful ambition for the ruthless pursuit of something the word "knowledge" does not even begin to describe. Join me as I take advantage of the remaining time to approach a topic I wish to explore."

"Recently, there has been much talk about how much things are changing and how necessary it is to take drastic steps to manage those changes successfully. I came across a very poignant analogy when attempting to write this speech. To change is to endure trauma, for we are both the artist crafting our lives and the marble it is composed of. This change happens whether we have a plan for what we want our statue to look like or not. One of my favorite things about this University is the number of students here who understand the concept of the words, day in and day out. The automatic and tedious process of letting your life unfold before you, merely reacting as the hammer strikes rather than seeking to take control of the places it strikes. This is where the actual value of education lies. It's not in some soft skills or an economic credential but in the ability to be aware that you fundamentally are steering the wheel that orients your life."

"You may not have all the choices you desire, and sometimes the roads you travel won't be smooth, but it is your choice when to take the next exit. I don't mean to imply that it is easy to take ownership of your perspective on the world or that it is a tangible thing that, once acquired, will never leave you. On the contrary, it requires a near-continuous process to have the serenity to accept the things you cannot change and the courage to try to fix the things you can. To pursue higher learning is to remain hungry for something transcendental. It is to have faith that you are the one holding the chisel in your life, and you fundamentally can make the statue you are carving actively your own. This is not to say to rejoice in your suffering but to work to become aware that your momentary struggles should not dissuade you from pursuing a meaningful life. This work doesn't end at a place like the University of Washington but starts here and hopefully will be able to follow you for the rest of your worldly days."

"The coming world may prove difficult in ways we cannot imagine this evening. Just as things have improved, they could worsen in the future. Whether climate change, economic recession, war, or political instability. There will be challenges that face us that have many portions that are fundamentally out of our control as individuals going about our daily lives. This is where the value of higher learning begins to matter truly. Whether or not we can solve the problems we face is affected by how we view those problems. To be enlightened is not to possess some magical set of esoteric ideas and gadgets that can solve all the world's problems. It's more than knowing how to survive and thrive in the world's burdens. Finally, I will end my congratulatory words by saluting all the students here today, whether I had the opportunity to help you or not. May this be the beginning of a beautiful journey towards carving yourself into the best and most beautiful piece of art possible. Thank you, Livia Moon is out." I kissed my fingers, throwing up the peace sign. The audience gave me a standing ovation as I returned to my seat.

Chancellor Smith picked up the mic while laughing. "Livia, I will miss your peculiar personality walking into my office with a simple "How are you doing today? Is there anything you need me to do?" or business propositions that would allow students to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Because of you, the number of students graduating with job opportunities has drastically increased. So, let's give our Livia, this University's true monarch, another round of applause."

I stood up and royally waved my hand. "For four years, you have been blessed with the presence that is I, your welcome."

Everyone laughed.

"Oh gosh, a character like yours is rare to come by. But, nevertheless, much like everyone before me, it's time for you to leave the mother's nest and fly on your own."