Love, from Schoolyard to Adulthood

of the sycamores drooped under the sun's relentless heat, and the atmosphere was thic

d is your

shes and blurring her vision. The words on her manuscript became incre

ars. Lexie Gilbert stared blankly at the crowd, her mind a

d she le

aling everyone to quiet down. Lexie wiped away the sweat still dripping

annual opening ceremony. Yet, as one of the outstanding graduates from Crestwood, she was invi

s, offering advice like "listen attentively and ask questions when in doubt", "maintain a regular schedule for efficient

tips, there was a "Quest

e tugged at her T-shirt, which clung to her back with

into Aldridge University next year, can I pursue you?" A tall,

students below started to stir. Despite several calls fo

imon remained unfazed, smiling as

it were on fire, unsure of how t

estion that diff

en cleared her throat and spoke into the microphon

ed clapping, and others quickly followed,

, the cicadas cont