The stadium erupted in applause.
“Please welcome this year’s valedictorian, Hawthorne Fellow, and graduating senior with the highest academic distinction in Briarwood University history… Amelia Carter.”
For a second, nobody moved.
Then my name echoed through the speakers.
My father’s camera slowly lowered.
My mother froze.
Amber’s smile disappeared.
And I stood.
The applause grew louder as I walked toward the stage.
The giant screens hanging above the stadium displayed my face. Thousands of people watched as I crossed the platform wearing the gold honors sash and Hawthorne medallion.
From the corner of my eye, I saw my father staring at the program in disbelief.
He flipped pages frantically.
Looking for my name.
Looking for an explanation.
Looking for the daughter he had spent four years pretending didn’t matter.
There was none.
