For the first time all day.
“Dad.”
Richard swallowed.
“You paid for one semester.”
The words hit hard.
“You sent birthday texts.”
Another pause.
“You showed up today.”
Richard’s face reddened.
Daniel nodded once.
“And I’m glad you’re here.”
The audience relaxed slightly.
Then came the next sentence.
“But don’t ever confuse attendance with sacrifice.”
A collective gasp moved through the room.
Richard looked down.
