One month later
"Oh my GAWD, girl! How does it feel?!"
I let out a woof as Dani swept me into a bone-crushing hug. I squeezed her back and laughed at her enthusiasm. My parents' back yard had been transformed into party central. Tables were laden with my favorite foods and daddy had strung tea lights in the trees to light up the yard. Music played softly from speakers on the porch. Most of my teammates and other friends and acquaintances had descended for an end of semester party that doubled as my graduation party. Thankfully, the early December weather was unseasonably warm, and most of my friends were making do in light fall clothes instead of bulky winter attire as the sun set behind the trees. I had put on a long maroon sweater that fell to mid-thigh, a pair of black skinny jeans, a
