Chapter 55: The Graduation Party

That festive evening, a massive joint graduation party was hosted right at the edge of the creek under the sprawling, protective branches of the old willow tree, complete with festive string lights, sizzling burgers, and half the population of Cortis in attendance. Surrounded by lifelong friends, proud parents, and well-wishing neighbors, James and Lily quietly slipped away for a peaceful moment by the water, sitting together on the grass just like they had done when they were children.