"Let's give our valedictorian a warm welcome!" The crowd cheerfully roared and applauded when the EmCee helped Humaira on stage not to fall again.

With sweaty hands, she forgot about her fears and insecurities, simply staring at Hadee and Zainab.

"Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim..." Humaira started.

She spoke about college and grades and tests. She mentions teachers, and students, and how everyone got along so perfectly despite their differences. Humaira even made a few jokes, though no one laughed. Well, Zainab did.

"Last, I'd like to dedicate these to my late mother; Hajia Binta Sanni Ahmad, and to all struggling orphans out there. To my precious sister, Zainab Ahmad Sanni, and my adorable son." She suddenly fell emotional as tears gathered her mascara eyes. Humaira gazed directly at Zainab, causing everyone else to look at Zainab, too.

Some guests seated close to Zainab, who also got emotional stopped talking. For that moment, they watched how tears trickled down their eyes and felt how strong the love and bond between the two sisters must have been.

"Zainab..." she began. "I don't yet have the words to describe the happiness you bring me, precious sister. One thing is for certain, I will love you even beyond my dying days. A bright, loving, and strong sister like you is worth more than an ocean full of gold and diamonds. I love you so much, my sweet little Zee. It brings me more happiness to see you've grown into a beautifully, mature teenager. May Allah always bless you with the things that your heart desires. And to my loving son." Then she turned towards the other side, where Star, Hadee, and the rest were seated.

"My wish for you is simple. Have the very best life imaginable, live like you will never grow old, laugh, giggle, cry if you must... Pray as hard as you grow and work, make time for the people and things that you adore... when you sleep, I hope you have the best dreams, that you will wake up with a smile on your face, and that even though you can't speak, you always know and feel that you're loved. From your beloved mother, Humaira Ahmad Sanni! To all fathers, to all mothers, to all sisters, to all daughters, to all sons... to everyone present. I love you all." She dropped the microphone and stepped down from the podium. She looked like a swan when stepping down the stage as everyone, including all of her colleagues, welcomed her back to take her seat.

Many people felt Humaira's touching speech. Most of the college academics were soaked in tears. Even the EmCee had to use his hanky to wipe his eyes.

And when her speech was over, Zainab was the first to jump up and clap with all her might, shouting "...You deserved it, sis!"

After a while, the closing prayer was made, and everyone went their separate ways. There were lots of hugs and gifts for Humaira. Some were from her friends, her loved juniors, while others were from the lecturers. Everyone wanted to take pictures with her. Amid these, Humaira couldn't wait to meet Zainab. They held themselves in a warm, tight hug with tears pouring down their identical-looking eyes.

"I miss you, sis..." Zainab cried. "I'm so happy for you. You've made me proud. Humaira, I am sure Mother would feel the same wherever she is. Thank you for making me so happy."

"No, Zainab. What are you saying? I should be the one thanking you. You made me believe in myself, Zee!"

She held Zainab's beautiful face in her palms. "Thank you for brightening up my life and inspiring me to move mountains. You'll always be the shiniest star in my sky, regardless of what happens, for my love for you is the everlasting type." She kissed Zainab's cheeks repeatedly and admired how much she had grown.

"You're looking like a 20-year-old already, Zee! Like seriously? What have you been eating?" Humaira joked, wiping out the tears that were hanging out of her eyes.

"Come on, sis! It's not food. It's all the grace of Allah. Perhaps I've even reduced now. It's all because of my WAEC, JAMB, and NECO exams."

"So gist me... How was it?" Humaira asked interestedly.

"Fine... Alhamdulillah. I think I tried my best. The results would be out by September Insha Allah. You gave an outstanding speech earlier... I'm so proud. Where's Hadee?" Zainab asked. "I can't wait to meet him."

In a blink, Star and the rest came. Zainab almost couldn't recognize Hadee, but he took so much of Humaira's resemblance.

"Is that him?" she asked, another set of tears welling up in her eyes. "He's grown so big!"

Zainab walked towards the star and carried him. Humaira thought he would get frightened at her because Hadee most times rejected cuddles, especially from people he doesn't know- but this time, Hadee didn't cry.

Zainab hugged him with so much happiness.

"How are you, Hadee?" She asked him, but he didn't even look at her. "It's me. Aunty Zainab!"