SHATTERED REFLECTION

Chapter 2: Graduation; Final rejection.

The day of graduation had finally arrived, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Emma put on her graduation gown with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As she stood among her classmates, the anticipation in the air was palpable.

The ceremony began, and one by one, names were called, graduates crossing the stage to receive their diplomas. Emma's heart swelled with pride as she watched her classmates receive their well-deserved recognition. She knew it was her turn next.

Finally, her name was called, given the title valedictorian and Emma walked confidently across the stage, a smile on her face. The applause and cheers of the audience echoed around her, momentarily drowning out the nagging doubts and insecurities that had plagued her for so long. She felt a surge of hope, believing that this moment would finally bridge the gap between her and her parents.

But as she descended the stage and looked out into the crowd, her heart sank. The seats reserved for her parents were empty, a stark reminder of their absence. Emma's smile faltered, and she felt a wave of disappointment wash over her.Graduation had become a bittersweet memory, a milestone marred by the final rejection from her parents.

She tried to push the negative thoughts aside, reminding herself that perhaps there was a valid reason for their absence. Maybe they were stuck at work or faced an unexpected emergency. Yet, deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling of rejection, of not being important enough for them to prioritize her special day.

 Emma stood at the podium, ready to deliver her valedictorian speech. The hall was filled with graduates, friends, and family members who had come to celebrate this momentous occasion. A wave of disappointment washed over Emma, clouding the excitement and pride she felt for her accomplishments. She had worked tirelessly to achieve academic success, hoping that her parents would be there to witness this significant milestone. But once again, they had let her down.

Taking a deep breath, Emma composed herself and began her speech. She spoke eloquently about the challenges they had faced, the memories they had created, and the dreams that lay ahead. Her words were filled with hope and inspiration, but deep down, she couldn't shake the emptiness she felt inside.

The celebration continued outside the venue as families gathered to take pictures with their proud graduates. Emma stood alone, her eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of her parents, but they were still nowhere to be found. The weight of their absence grew heavier with each passing moment, and a lump formed in her throat. 

Emma watched as her classmates excitedly embraced their loved ones, snapping photos and capturing memories of this joyous day. But for Emma, there was no one to share this moment with. She stood there, feeling a mix of loneliness and heartache. All around her, she could hear laughter, congratulations, and the clicking of cameras. It only served to amplify her sense of isolation. Her achievements felt incomplete without her parents by her side, celebrating her success.

But amidst the sea of families, one person caught Emma's eye. It was her teacher, Mrs. Johnson. With a warm smile, she approached Emma and wrapped her in a gentle hug. "Congratulations, Emma. I am so proud of you," Mrs. Johnson said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Tears welled up in Emma's eyes as she returned the hug. It was at that moment that she realized family isn't always defined by blood. Mrs. Johnson had been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her high school journey, and she felt grateful to have her there.

Mrs. Johnson took Emma's hand and led her to a group of her close friends who had noticed her solitude. They embraced her, offering their heartfelt congratulations and reassurance that they were proud of her accomplishments. In that instant, Emma realized that family extends beyond her parents and that she had a strong support system of friends who cherished her.

While the absence of her parents still stung, Emma found solace in the love and care of those who stood by her side. As they posed for pictures together, capturing the memories of this special day, Emma couldn't help but feel even more out of place than she already was. Although it did feel nice to have some semblance of family-like support, she knew it would have been way different if she had just a quarter of the love she received from her school family from her actual family. it was just different and she knew it would feel different.

                  ---inner monologue --

               {is it the warmth that a mother provided her child or the big burly arms of protection that

                             a father possesses? well, how would I know it's not like I have ever experienced it.} 

She decided to make her way home, hoping that maybe they had just gotten caught up in something and would be there to congratulate her when she arrived. As she reached her house, she stared at the empty driveway, with no signs of her parents' cars. It was as if they had vanished, leaving her with a profound sense of abandonment.

Emma stepped inside the house, the silence echoing around her. She felt a mix of anger, sadness, and confusion. Had she done something to warrant their rejection? Was it her fault that they couldn't find it in themselves to be there for her on such an important day?

As Emma lay in her bed, the events of the day weighed heavily on her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment and loneliness from her parents' absence at her graduation ceremony. Despite being surrounded by friends and well-wishers, she still felt a void in her heart.

The silence of her room allowed her thoughts to wander freely, and she couldn't help but question herself. Had she done something wrong? Was there someone she had offended unknowingly? Emma's mind searched for answers, trying to make sense of the situation.

As she pondered these questions, memories of past interactions with her parents flooded her mind. She thought about all the times she had tried her best to please them, to make them proud. She had achieved so much academically, hoping it would be enough to gain their approval. Yet, it seemed like nothing she did was ever good enough for them.

Emma's mind raced with self-doubt, and she wondered if she was the problem. Maybe she was too quiet, too introverted, or not expressive enough. She couldn't fathom why her parents seemed distant and uninterested in her life.

Feeling a mix of frustration and sadness, she reached for her phone on the bedside table. Maybe she could call them, try to understand what had caused them to miss such an important day in her life. But as she held the phone in her hand, she hesitated. What if they didn't pick up? What if they brushed her off with excuses?

At that moment, Emma felt a surge of determination. She decided that she wouldn't let her parents' absence define her worth or her happiness. She had accomplished so much on her own, and she would continue to do so, with or without their approval.

As the night wore on, Emma's mind began to quiet down. She realized that she couldn't control her parents' actions or feelings, but she could control how she reacted to them. 

Tears welled up in her eyes as she made her way to her room, the place that had always offered solace and comfort. She collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow, allowing herself to cry and release the pain that had built up inside.

At that moment, Emma realized that she couldn't keep seeking validation and love from those who were unable or unwilling to give it. that was just another deceitful thought and that was definitely not what she need to add to her plate now.