Val wiped his brow as he sat alongside the others, still buzzing with excitement. It was real, not just a dream, but a wonderous reality. Ian's congratulations still rang in his ears.<i>White Castle. I can really go. I really can go away from Ashburn. Do I have to tell Ma and Cal? Can I just leave?</i><br/>He sat beside Annie, looking at his friend with shining eyes. "Way to go, Annie!" he whispered as the adults began to talk. His wish had been heard, and now they would both have a chance to change. To go out and make a better future for themselves. He had no idea if Annie would come back after their studies, returning to help her family. Valentine, though, would never return to this snowy land.<br/>He would go to a sunny and warm land and live to his heart's content.<br/>But first, he would have to Graduate from White Castle.