Disclaimer: The only thing I own here is Melody. And the plot line.

A/N: My first CSI: Miami story. Reviews greatly appreciated.

Prologue: Graduation Day

May 2005

A nondescript black car pulled up to the security guard's booth just outside the entrance to the University of Florida's south parking lot. The driver's side window rolled down and a hand extended toward the guard. In it was a ticket to U of F's 2005 graduation ceremony. The guard examined the ticket, nodded, and opened the gate. The car's driver closed the window and maneuvered the vehicle into the crowded parking lot and into an empty parking space. The car's door opened and Lieutenant Horatio Caine stepped out into the warm spring air. He locked the car door, pocketed his keys, and made his way towards the nearby field, allowing himself to be assimilated into the flow of proud parents and supportive friends who were streaming toward the stage. Horatio walked, not to the rows of chairs set up for the guests, but back toward the mass of capped and gowned students getting ready to walk down the aisle. Behind the sunglasses his eyes searched the crowd for the person he had come to see. Soon he found what he was looking for- a pair of dark green eyes locked with his and a young woman made her way toward him through the crowd. As she got closer her face lit up with quiet joy, a small smile playing at her mouth.

"Horatio," she said quietly. "You came."

"I told you I would," the CSI replied.

"I'm not saying that because I didn't believe you. I've known you too long for that." She paused as the older man gave her an affectionate, fatherly hug. "I'm just really glad you're here."

"I wouldn't have missed it."

"I know."

"Is your speech ready?"

"Yes. Finally."

"And you're till not going to tell me what's in it?"

"Nope. Let's just say that it won't be your standard 'go out and make a difference in the world' speech."

"Good. You deserve this, you know."

"What?"

"Being asked to give this speech. It's a great honor."

"I… I just did-"

"Your best, I know. Your best just happens to be incredibly good."

"I…thanks."

"You're welcome." Just then the orchestra began to play the opening strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" and the students began lining up. "I'll see you after the ceremony."
"See you. And… Horatio? Thanks again for coming. It, um, it really means a lot to me."

"It's my pleasure." With that the graduate hurried back into line and Horatio went off to find a seat.

There were songs and speeches that followed the procession, and finally the dean said, "It is now my pleasure to introduce to you an extraordinary young woman. Not only is she brilliant and talented enough to be accepted to this university at the age of fifteen, but she has overcome a great deal of hardship in her young life. That, however, is her story to tell, not mine. I am proud to announce your student speaker, Melody Carver!" The crowd cheered and clapped as the young woman, Melody, stood and walked up to the stage.

"Thank you, sir," she murmured.

"Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, and members of the staff. Thank you all for coming out here today to support these graduates, all of whom deserve recognition for their hard work these past four years," she began. "Doctor Raymond asked me to speak today because he felt that my story is one that will inspire all of you and help you overcome the obstacles that everyone must face in their lifetime. I can't say that I agree with him. My story is in no way unique, there are those out there who have faced as much as I have and more. I believe that every human being has the ability to move beyond their past, the desire to move forward, and the determination to go around or over whatever obstacles are in their path. These are all valuable traits to possess, of course, but I believe that the characteristic of humans that saves us is our need for each other. Think about it. Where would any of you be without your friends, your parents, your teachers, anyone who has influenced you? You wouldn't have gotten very far, would you? We support each other. We help each other. And some of us… well, some of us get more help than others. This is where my story comes in.

I came, as many children do, from an abusive home. I lived with my mother and my grandfather until he beat her to death when I was four. Then he beat me to be sure I wouldn't tell anyone. School became my only comfort. I practically lived there, coming home only to cook dinner for my grandfather and endure the nightly beatings until he fell down drunk. My teachers always said I was smart. It never meant much to me, except that it meant they liked me and allowed me to stay after school. I pretty much lived day to day for the first twelve years of my life. Then I ran away just after my twelfth birthday- hitchhiked from California all the way to Miami. When I got to Miami I registered myself for high school under another name. They said I was a genius, which again didn't mean much. But I was doing OK for a while. Near the end of my sophomore year, I was captured by a Muslim terrorist organization. I was walking home with my friends when they attacked. My friends were killed and I was captured. I was with them for months, until they decided to get rid of me by strapping me to a remote bomb and sending me to a Christian youth gathering. There was a guy watching through binoculars and once I was in position he was going to set off the bomb. But he didn't because the police had received an anonymous tip and the bomb squad came just in time. They saved my life and ended up finding the rest of that group.

But it didn't end there, not for me. One of the men from the bomb squad found out that I was homeless and alone. He took me in, cared for me as I struggled to recover from my time in captivity, and eventually brought me here, to the University of Florida. He helped me apply for scholarships, helped me out with my admission fees, and to this day never fails to call to make sure I'm all right.

He's not on the bomb squad anymore, but he's still out there, helping people like me as a CSI." Melody paused and looked straight at Horatio. "This man is Lieutenant Horatio Caine, and I owe him everything.

I hope that if you all walk out of here with one thing today, you leave with the knowledge that you can't do it by yourself. So stop trying. Accept help if it's offered, give help when someone needs it. Whatever else may happen in your life, you always have the option to help someone. Having a diploma doesn't have anything to do with it. Being smart or strong or good-looking doesn't have anything to do with it. You are human. That's enough. Wherever you go, whatever you choose to do, or don't choose to do, remember that.

Congratulations, class of 2005."