Paradise___________
When she was just a girl, she expected the world
But it flew away from her reach, so she ran away in her sleep
And dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes
COLDPLAY_______

Your eyes flutter shut when they pass the D’s. This was it.

They pass the E’s and your heart beats faster.

You breathe in. You breathe out.

“Fleming, Bambi!”

Open your eyes Bambs, you tell yourself.

When you do, a sea of identically dressed young adults fill your vision. You’re walking forward and up, your ankles wobbling as you climb to the stage. The stilettos Delacroix let you borrow from the winter collection make a sharp clicking sound as you walk over to Kýrie Papagnosi.

He hands you your diploma.

Your vision swims.

You did it, Bambi.

You did it.