It was a hot and dry summer morning in Canterbury, but the inside of the medieval cathedral was comfortably cool, even as I sat among my peers in a heavy black gown and under a mortarboard cap. The last four years of my life had been leading up to this moment – every class and every seminar, every triumph and every stumble, every late night at my desk pouring over journal articles and textbooks, every bold adventure to far-away continents, every time my paw ached in an exam hall and every time I clicked “Submit” minutes before a deadline followed by a sigh of relief. I knew nobody coming here, but left knowing some of the best people I could’ve ever hoped to meet, be they sitting in this hall with me or somewhere in this world, which itself now seemed less of an abstract concept now. In such a moment, when you are on the precipice of leaving this experience behind to become a productive member of society, what can you do but smile? :)

Unsurprisingly, I commissioned this piece just before my graduation day, as a way to commemorate the occasion. It would’ve made a great badge at Furnal Equinox 2019 – which was graduation-themed – but I’m sure I’ll get another chance in future!

Character is ©
Artwork is © (Their account appears to be deactivated. Blacku, if you see this, please know that you’re awesome! ^^)