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The problem begins because Michael discovers time is apparently fraudulent.
Completely fraudulent.
Because there is absolutely no reasonable explanation for how the scared teenager who once hid in trees and refused to trust adults is somehow graduating high school.
Yet—
Unfortunately—
Reality disagrees.
Graduation day arrives.
Chaos arrives with it.
Because important family events apparently require suffering.
"Mom."
You turn.
Henri—seven years old now and somehow possessing infinite energy—is standing in hallway.
"I can't find my shoe."
You blink.
"Did you check your room."
"Yes."
"Did you actually check."
Long pause.
"...maybe."
You point upstairs.
Henri disappears.
Meanwhile—
Genesis is four.
Which means Genesis has decided today is the perfect day to become difficult.
"I don't wanna wear this."
You stare.
"You picked that dress."
Genesis crosses arms.
"I changed mind."
Michael quietly drinks coffee.
Very quietly.
Because years of parenting taught him survival.
Do not interfere immediately.
Observe first.
Huck walks downstairs.
Suit.
Tie.
Hair fixed.
Looking entirely too adult.
Michael nearly spits coffee.
Because—
No.
Absolutely not.
This is still the kid who accidentally broke the lawn mower attempting repairs.
This is still the teenager who once ate expired leftovers because he "didn't wanna waste food."
This is still—
"...what happened."
Huck blinks.
"What."
Michael gestures vaguely.
"You got older."
Huck sighs.
"I'm eighteen."
"Exactly."
You walk downstairs.
Take one look.
Immediately understand.
"Oh."
You smile slightly.
"It's hitting you."
Michael points.
"He was fifteen yesterday."
You shake head.
"No he wasn't."
Michael ignores facts.
Soon—
Everyone finally enters vehicle.
After finding shoe.
After convincing Genesis the dress is acceptable.
After discovering someone spilled juice.
Nobody knows who.
Michael driving.
You passenger seat.
Huck quiet.
Henri talking constantly.
Genesis singing nonsense.
Normal.
Very normal.
You glance toward Huck.
Nervous.
Very nervous.
You gently touch his shoulder.
"You okay."
Huck shrugs.
"Yeah."
Pause.
"...maybe not."
Michael answers without looking away from road.
"Normal."
Huck looks up.
Michael shrugs.
"Big day."
Small pause.
"You're allowed."
School gym packed.
Too packed.
Families everywhere.
Too warm.
Too loud.
Henri immediately whispers:
"When Huck go."
"Soon."
Three minutes later:
"When Huck go."
"Soon."
Two minutes later:
"When—"
Michael quietly says:
"Patience."
Henri sighs dramatically.
Genesis kicks feet.
"I hungry."
You hand crackers.
Crisis solved.
Eventually—
Names begin.
Speeches happen.
Too many speeches.
Entire family slowly dying.
Then—
"Huckleberry Finn."
Everything changes.
You immediately stand.
Cheering.
Michael stands too.
Very loudly.
Henri jumps up.
"THAT MY BROTHER."
Genesis screaming:
"HUCK."
Several people turn around.
You pretend not notice.
Huck walks stage.
Gets diploma.
Looks toward family.
Smiles.
Tiny smile.
But enough.
Michael suddenly remembers—
The first time Huck slept over.
The first time Huck called this place home.
The first time adoption papers became official.
And now—
Graduation.
Life moves too fast.
After ceremony—
Photos.
Too many photos.
Henri attached to Huck constantly.
Genesis grabs Huck's hand.
Refuses release.
"Don't leave."
Huck laughs.
"I'm not."
"You promise."
"Promise."
Photo time.
You organize everyone.
Michael already tired.
"Hurry."
First photo.
Entire family.
Second.
Just siblings.
Henri throws arm around Huck proudly.
Genesis hugs leg.
Third photo.
Just Huck and Michael.
Both immediately awkward.
Because neither enjoys photos.
You hold camera.
"Smile."
Both attempt.
Poorly.
You laugh.
"Good enough."
Back home—
Cake.
Food.
Celebration.
Neighbors.
Noise.
Everything.
Eventually—
Night.
Genesis asleep.
Completely sprawled across couch.
Henri fighting sleep.
Losing battle.
You carry dishes.
Michael notices Huck missing.
Finds him outside.
Porch.
Quiet.
Michael sits.
Silence.
Then:
"Proud of you."
Huck smiles slightly.
"Thanks."
Michael nods.
Then Huck quietly asks:
"...you think I'll be okay."
Michael looks over.
"What."
Huck shrugs.
"After this."
Pause.
"Adult stuff."
Michael thinks.
Then says:
"I think."
Pause.
"You survived high school."
Another.
"You survived being sixteen."
Huck laughs slightly.
"Barely."
Michael nods.
"Exactly."
Small silence.
Then Michael quietly says:
"You don't gotta know everything yet."
Huck stares yard.
"I don't."
"I know."
Another pause.
"You got time."
Huck nods slowly.
Then quietly:
"...thanks Dad."
Michael freezes slightly.
Not because Huck never says it.
Because sometimes—
It still matters.
Still hits.
Still feels important.
Michael smiles.
"Anytime."
Then immediately ruins moment.
"So."
Huck sighs.
"Oh no."
Michael grins.
"Adult now."
"...yeah."
"Congratulations."
Pause.
"Taxes."
Huck groans loudly.
Michael laughs.
Because some traditions—
Are important.
Inside—
Henri finally falls asleep.
Genesis still holding Huck's graduation program.
And somehow—
The family made it here.
Together.