In the sunlit studio of their final class, Nalani sat surrounded by her peers, a bittersweet air filling the room. Mrs. Crane, their beloved Fine Arts Professor, stood before them, her presence radiating both pride and nostalgia.

"Thank God, I made it in time", Lena, with her small bag and in sweat sat down beside her.

"I told you to wake up on your alarm", Nalani half-shouted whispered to her and Lena just gave her a shrug and mouthed 'Wanted to sleep more' and she gave her a scoff.

"As we come to the end of this journey together," Mrs. Crane began, her voice tinged with emotion.

"Here she comes", Lena says as soon as Mrs. Crane began. Nalani just shook her head .

 "I want to commend each of you for your dedication and passion throughout your time here." Nalani listened attentively, her heart swelling with gratitude for the guidance and inspiration Mrs. Crane had provided over the years.

"As you prepare to step into the next chapter of your lives," Mrs. Crane continued, her gaze sweeping over the graduating class, "remember to carry the lessons you've learned and the memories you've made with you wherever you go."

Nalani exchanged knowing glances with Lena and her classmates, each one silently acknowledging the profound impact their time in Mrs. Crane's class had had on their lives.

"And don't forget," Mrs. Crane added with a gentle smile, "your final art pieces are due before the summer ends. Let them serve as a testament to your growth and creativity throughout your time here."

With those final words, Mrs. Crane bid her students farewell, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement. As Nalani rose from her seat, a sense of nostalgia washed over her, mingled with excitement for the journey that lay ahead. With Mrs. Crane's words echoing in her mind, she knew that her final art piece would be a reflection of not just her artistic talent, but of the profound impact her time in the studio had had on her soul.

"I'm sure your feeling pumped up after hearing her speech", Lena said while she was putting her things away.

Nalani gave her a sweet smile, "But of course, Mrs. Crane is our Department Chair after all".

"So..., how are you feeling after finally finishing a four-year course?", Lena asked while they were walking out of the room.

"Um, relieved?", Nalani plainly replied.

"Aw, come on! Can't you be more giddy? We're finally free!", Lena exclaimed throwing both her hands in the air as she shouted down the hallway. 

"Nope, we still have to finish our art pieces", Nalani said and tapped the tip of her nose. Lena pouted. "Meanie. Always the workaholic". 

As Nalani and Lena made their way out of the school building, the warm afternoon sun kissed their faces, a gentle breeze swirling around them. Lena's eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to Nalani.

"Speaking of freedom," Lena began, a mischievous grin playing on her lips, "why don't we go to a party and-", Lena stopped midway as Nalani shushed her.

"Don't even think about it", Nalani cuts in. "B-bu-but... Nalani!", Lena called out to her as she was making her way to leave campus, leaving Lena with nothing to say as she waved goodbye. 

As Nalani's car pulled into the driveway, the familiar sight of her childhood home greeted her. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the quaint suburban neighborhood. With a tired smile, she stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the pavement. The door creaked open, and she was enveloped in the comforting embrace of home.

"Welcome back, Nalani," came the gentle voice of Mrs. Cortez, who stood in the doorway, her warm brown eyes sparkling with affection. Mrs. Cortez had been a constant presence in Nalani's life, her steady presence a source of comfort and stability.

Nalani returned the smile, her fatigue momentarily forgotten as she approached Mrs. Cortez. "Thank you, Nana. It's good to be home," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Mrs. Cortez ushered her inside, the aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air. The familiar sights and sounds of the house wrapped around Nalani like a cozy blanket. It had been a long day, and she was grateful for the sanctuary of her childhood home.

"How was your day, Nalani?" Mrs. Cortez asked, her voice tinged with concern as she led Nalani into the cozy living room.

Nalani sighed, sinking into the plush sofa. "Busy, as usual. But nothing I can't handle. Thank God it was already my last year," she replied, running a hand through her hair.

Mrs. Cortez nodded understandingly, her expression sympathetic. "You're father has been doing fine", she said gently, her eyes flickering towards the staircase that led to her father's room.

Nalani's heart twinge with sadness and guilt. She had been so caught up in her own life lately that she had neglected her father. She had stayed at the school dorms since her 1st year and never got to visit her father as often. Pushing aside her exhaustion, she rose from the sofa, determination flickering in her eyes.

"I'll go see him right away," she said, her voice resolute.

Mrs. Cortez smiled, her wrinkled face crinkling with warmth. "He'll be happy to see you, Nalani. Dinner will be ready soon," she said, her tone comforting.

With a grateful nod, Nalani made her way upstairs, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. As she approached her father's room, she could hear his soft murmurs and the gentle rustle of his sheets. It had been too long since she had last seen her father. As she stepped inside, the creaking floorboards announced her presence.

Her father was sitting in his favorite chair, gazing out the window at the setting sun. His dark hair, only just starting to show strands of gray. She approached him quietly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Dad?" she called softly.

He turned his head, his eyes searching her face. For a moment, a flicker of recognition crossed his features, and Nalani's heart soared with hope. She knelt beside him, taking his hand in hers. "How have you been doing, Dad? How have you been managing without me?"

Her father's eyes softened as he lifted a trembling hand to caress her cheek. His touch was gentle, but there was a distant look in his eyes. "Oh, my sweet," he murmured, his voice filled with a tender reverence that made Nalani's heart ache. "I've missed you so much, my love."

Nalani's smile faltered, confusion clouding her mind. "Dad, it's me, Nalani," she said gently, hoping to bring him back to reality. "It's your daughter."

He smiled wistfully, his eyes filled with memories of a time long past. "Yes, Malina," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "You always knew how to make me feel better, even in the darkest times."

Tears welled up in Nalani's eyes as she realized he was not seeing her, but rather her late mother, Malina. She wanted to correct him, to make him see her, but the depth of his longing and love for her mother stopped her. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly as he continued to speak to the ghost of his beloved wife.

"I'm here, Dad," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm here with you."

In that embrace, Nalani felt a profound connection to her father, a shared grief and love that transcended time. Even though he didn't recognize her as his daughter, in that moment, she understood the depth of his loss and the strength of his love. And that, she decided, was enough.