When Dorian tried to get anything done though, he would often come across something that would bring back some memories and he would get lost in his own thoughts for hours on end. This was enjoyable for Dorian, but not so good for clearing the clutter.
In the picture was Dorian standing proudly with his university degree. He was dressed in the fancy black robes that you needed to wear on those occasions. He had the ribbon and scroll too. He had a funny smirk on his face though. Back then Dorian didn't know how to smile. But you could see he was enjoying the moment and was happy.
Dorian thought deeply about that day now...
It had rained earlier in the day and although not raining now, there were still puddles here and there leaving traces of its presence. The temperature was not very cold, but you would need to be brave to not have worn a coat. Anyone who has felt the strong atlantic wind will know how it can bite.
With the different layers of clothes, Dorian was quick to feel uncomfortable and notice the build-up of perspiration on his skin and sticking to his clothes. He longed for the summer weather to arrive when he would no longer need a jacket. It was warmer, especially with the extra layer he had on for the graduation ceremony.
This was the big day. Dorian had finally made it. It looked like at one point that he would never graduate. It had been a huge struggle. The biggest hurdle was trying to survive financially whilst studying. Dorian was from a poor family and had no financial support. The university fees and the cost of renting were a huge burden. Dorian had to work part-time to try and cover this.
On top of this, Dorian was constantly tired from studying and working. He had to rent a place far from the university because it was cheaper. This then meant long travel times to and from the university. He lived in a somewhat dangerous area. One time somebody carelessly or deliberately threw an empty coffee jar out of the window as he walked by underneath and it landed on his head. This was the first time that Dorian had experienced a concussion.
The concussion felt like he was still there but that he had no control over his faculties. If it was a cartoon, he would have seen stars turning around above his head. It was lucky that a kind lady came to his rescue and walked him back home.
Dorian was determined to get his qualification though. He wanted to have the piece of paper that confirmed he had achieved the goal. He wanted his family and parents to be proud of him. The current situation wouldn't last forever and would get much better afterwards. Dorian could get a good job and live a much better life. He just needed to work hard now and it would pay dividends for him later. He crossed each day off in the calendar towards the graduation.
Once in the hall, he met some of his fellow students who had also made it to the end. Dorian knew most of the guys there but had a group with whom he had bonded. They chatted lightly before the ceremony as the tension and excitement climbed.
Dorian's girlfriend was also there and they both mingled amongst the crowd. There were other graduates and of course family members standing proudly with their children. It was a jolly affair and there were lots of laughs and smiles. Many were talking of their plans for the coming summer and then the big career moves they would hope to make.
Dorian thought he was lucky. He was expecting a good result in his course but when he found out that he had aced it and achieved the highest result possible it blew his mind. By just a few fractions of a % point, he had aced his course. Looking back Dorian didn't think he had done so much to achieve that.
The ceremony had started and his friends had gone on stage one by one. They shook hands with the Professor and took their scrolls. They looked out at the audience and waved to their family, friends and fellow students. Soon it was Dorian's turn. It was the big moment he had been waiting 5 years for.
Time seemed to slow down. Dorian stepped on the stage. One foot in front of the other. He shook hands with his Professor and took the scroll. As he slowly turned his head and looked out to the crowd. He saw his girlfriend smiling. He felt so proud and pleased with himself that he had finally achieved something.
Doreen then scanned the room further.
He couldn't see his parents anywhere.
They hadn't responded to his message about the graduation and the results. Secretly Dorian had hoped they may turn up and surprise him. He looked desperately, eagerly for any sign of them. He could see his friends with their families happy and smiling.
Despite many long searching looks which felt like an eternity, Dorian couldn't see them.
He swallowed deeply. He held his pride in his hand and slowly left the stage where the photos were being taken.
Thanks for reading.
Photo image is my own.
