Every high school student dreams of graduation. After sleepless nights and endless exams, I was excited for my big day. But one photo ruined everything.

My mom arrived first with pink peonies, my favorite flowers. “You’ve worked hard, Michelle,” she said. I hugged her, then saw my dad and stepmom, Claire, approaching. My stomach churned. Claire and Mom never got along, but I hoped they wouldn’t ruin my day.

After the ceremony, we gathered for photos. “Dad, Mom, can we take a picture together?” I asked. Claire’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you want a picture with him and his ex-wife?” she snapped. Mom tried to explain, but Claire was furious. She grabbed my graduation cap and tore it apart, leaving me heartbroken.

My dad was livid. “This isn’t about you, Claire,” he shouted. Claire stormed off, leaving us in painful silence.

Later, at our celebration, Dad confronted Claire. “You hurt Michelle,” he said. Claire admitted, “I don’t know what I was thinking.” Dad warned, “If you can’t handle your insecurities, this relationship is doomed.” Claire promised to change.

That evening, Claire approached me with a new cap. “I got all your classmates to sign it,” she said. “I’m really sorry.” I was skeptical but gave her a chance. I asked her to take a photo of me with Mom and Dad, and she agreed.

Do you think I did the right thing by forgiving my stepmom?