Vima’s first graduation

CEBU, Philippines — There was once a girl named Vima. She lived in a castle like a typical princess in a fairytale. However, she didn’t have her parents staying with her.  She had been raised by her nursemaid, Maria.

One morning, Maria’s daughter visited the castle for the first time. She ran into Vima in the garden. “Hello. I’m Charlotte. You must be Vima.” Charlotte offered her hand.  “Yes, that’s me.” Vima took it and smiled at her.

They spent the whole morning talking about so many things until it was time for lunch. They learned that they were both 11 years old. Charlotte was so excited to hear this so she asked “When is your graduation? Mine is on the 5th of this month.” Vima’s smile faded. “Actually, I will not graduate. You see, I have never been to a regular school. I have been home-schooled all my life. How I wish I get to experience a graduation ceremony myself.”

Charlotte couldn’t imagine the kind of life Vima had. She had always wondered how wonderful it would be to live in a beautiful place like the castle. She thought a girl like Vima got everything she wanted in life. “Since you have never been to a regular school, why don’t you come with your mother on my graduation day?”

Vima ordered a bouquet of flowers to give to Charlotte after the ceremony. She was very excited that she asked Maria and her daughter to sleep in her room the night before, so that she could help her prepare early for the event.

The three of them arrived at the venue before it got too crowded. Charlotte joined her classmates while Vima was busy looking around, mesmerized by the excitement and happiness of the people around them. She had never experienced such an occasion. She was so thrilled to be there.

“Charlotte Oyardo!” Maria was teary-eyed when she heard her daughter’s name. She met Charlotte at the aisle and they walked to the stage together to receive her diploma. Vima could not stop herself from standing and clapping so loud. After the ceremony, she gave Charlotte the bouquet of flowers.

Maria was so happy that her daughter graduated in elementary. Charlotte kissed her mother on the cheek and said, “Thank you so much, Mom.” Maria hugged her. Vima joined in their embrace. She thought to herself “Charlotte is so lucky to have her mother with her in an important occasion like this.”

Vima looked around again and said, “I want to go to a regular school and graduate like Charlotte did. I don’t want to miss another graduation ceremony in my life.” Maria and Charlotte were surprised to hear what she said. They exploded into laughter. Vima laughed the loudest.