Do You Dry Clean a Cap and Gown?

I picked up my cap and gown today. Getting ready for the big day -- Friday is when I walk, as they say in academic lingo. No, I don't think there will be any red carpet involved. But I will put closure on an adventure that began three years ago this August -- my pursuit of an M.F.A.

The women at Alumni Affairs (keeper of the caps) delicately handed me my cello-wrapped package.

"Congratulations," she said, sounding genuinely sincere. It was nice. I may have actually blushed.

She then handed me a book called Retire Without Worry. It was donated as a gift to the graduates. I told her thanks.

I noticed a box filled with red and blue plastic flashlights laying on the floor. They were stamped with a logo and tag line.  "University Alumni -- We won't leave you in the dark."

"Do you mind if I take two for my kids?" I ask.

I stepped out of the building and placed the sealed package containing the cap and gown, book, and flashlights in the backseat. After a windy spring morning that felt more like autumn, temps were warming up and I cranked open the sunroof. As I drove away from the campus, for a short time I felt like I was twenty-two again, graduating at the end of the week. Classes were over and a new phase was beginning. I relived my carefree youth, except for one thing.  In the back of my mind, I had one nagging, annoyingly grown up thought:

"Am I supposed to get this thing dry cleaned before Friday?"