Chapter Text
The collar of his shirt was itching the back of his neck, but he didn’t dare move. He’d spent a half-hour in front of the mirror, trying to make sure it rested just right above the dark blue graduation gown. He’d spent the day before at the Sully’s house, where Neytiri washed and dryed and braided the crown of his hair. They’d triple checked that the cap would fit right and he’d slept on it as carefully as possible. His dad had tied his tie and Spider was pretty sure he’d shined the new dress shoes he’d picked up the week before. For a week straight, he’d been stressing over his graduation.
Standing to the left of the stage, he hoped it all paid off.
Aounung crossed in front of him, all big smiles and bright eyes. Spider felt awkward and was pretty sure he was going to fall as he climbed up the steps. The principal was waiting at the podium, leather-bound folder in hand. Spider swallowed once more and walked forward.
Don’t trip. Don’t trip. Don’t trip.
He shook the woman’s hand, hoping his palm wasn’t sweating. She handed him his diploma next, giving him a big smile.
Don’t trip. Don’t trip. Don’t —
Everyone was clapping and cheering as he finished walking across the stage. He found his dad in the crowd, next to his uncle Lyle. Both of them were shouting loudly, like they were watching some sort of game instead of a graduation ceremony. The Sully’s— all of them crowded together in a different part of the bleachers —were smiling brightly at him, just as loud.
THE END.
His whole family had made it. And Spider couldn’t be happier.