The Graduation She Thought He Missed
Chapter 07 - The Graduation She Thought He Missed
Emily's graduation had already happened.
Frank had missed it without knowing she existed.
That fact bothered him more than he expected.
He asked Emily whether she had more photographs.
She showed him reluctantly.
Pictures with Laura.
Friends.
Teachers.
An empty chair beside her mother.
“Who was that for?” Frank asked.
Emily looked away.
“My grandfather.”
Laura's father had died when Emily was twelve.
Frank nodded.
Then Emily admitted something.
“When I was little, I used to imagine you showing up.”
Frank felt his chest tighten.
“What did you imagine?”
“That you had some good reason.”
Frank looked down.
“I didn't know where you were.”
“I know that now.”
She paused.
“But part of me is still angry you weren't there.”
“You're allowed.”
Emily looked at him.
Most adults in her life had told her what she should feel.
Frank did not.
That made her stay longer.
They talked for two hours.
Not about dramatic things.
Music.
College.
Her plan to become a nurse.
Frank learned she hated tomatoes and loved old movies.
Emily learned he could repair almost anything except his own kitchen faucet.
When she left, she said, “I might come back.”
Frank smiled.
May you like
“I'll be here.”
For once, that was enough.
