The Resurrection of Aubrey Mill

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Today is officially my last day here at Titan. The year passed by in the blink of an eye, but it wasn’t without some new firsts that should be mentioned:
The first night Kaeleb and I spent together in our house. Rental house of course, but it’s our home…for the meantime. After we’d christened it multiple times, I rolled over in Kaeleb’s arms and stared at the swear jar on our bedside table, its only purpose to remind me of the meaning of unconditional love. Linda’s. Quinn’s. And of course, Kaeleb’s. Although he did strive to remind me often. Hence the reason we didn’t leave the house for an entire week.
The first (and only) time Quinn became engaged. Tommy Larkin proposed at a candlelight dinner via serenade and she happily accepted, giggling the entire time no doubt. They’ll be getting married this summer, right after us.
The first time we all finally managed to have a successful family dinner. Quinn’s and Tommy’s parents, Kaeleb’s grandparents, and me as we celebrated the new engagements. It was bittersweet without Linda, but as I looked at the people all around me, I knew I would never be without family. They surrounded me as we recanted the details of the proposals to everyone, and even gave encouraging hoots when we went into Quinn’s standoff with Sabrina. The pride on her mother’s face told me that she finally grasped the fact that there was no need to worry about her baby girl.
The first time that Kaeleb caved to his grandparent’s insistence, and finally spoke to his parents. It wasn’t easy, but I think he’s finally worked through what he needs to in order find the closure he needs. They continue to speak once a week as they work on mending their relationship. They’re here today, along with his sister.
And as I sit here in my turn to cross the stage, I reflect on my four years here at Titan University.
I came here a terrified girl, completely hidden inside my darkness and ruled by my fears.
Yet somehow, even while consumed by that darkness, I found my way.
I found the courage to make new friends. Life-long friends.
Friends that provided me strength when I thought I had none.
Friends that forced me to face my greatest fears, no matter how much I protested.
Friends that gave me a reason to wake up each day.
Friends that made me laugh for the first time in years, held me when I cried, and rooted themselves deeply in my heart, refusing to cut the ties that bound us together when I pushed them away.
They taught me the meaning of true friendship, and for that I will forever be grateful.
I found love. True, absolute, everlasting love.
Love that was so readily given even when I refused it.
Love that when finally accepted, spread throughout my heart and soul, giving me the strength to look deep within myself and face my past.
Love that doesn’t end with death, but that does, in fact, conquer it. Because in death, I found the true meaning of love and laid to rest my fears, emerging the person I was meant to be.
But most importantly, I found myself. I found the light that had been yearning to burn inside of me all along. And once I found it, I held on tightly and nurtured it until it infused within my heart and my soul, bathing away the darkness. Cleansing me. Preparing me. Healing me.
I died when I was eight years old.
I existed inside death for many years until I finally discovered the true meaning of life—a gift to be utilized and never be taken for granted.
And I will leave this campus today alive and breathing, ready to make my mark on this world...
Fully resurrected.