How to be loved

2 - I PROMISE

HOW TO BE LOVED

2 – I PROMISE

As Rebecca stood there, the stage lights casting a warm glow around her, she couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that engulfed her. The cheers and applause from the audience seemed distant, drowned out by the silence of the empty seats where her family and girlfriend were supposed to be.

Her heart ached for her father, the one who had always been her pillar of strength, his proud smile and encouraging words echoing in her mind. And her mother, whose warmth and affection had been her craving since childhood, her absence left a void that seemed impossible to fill. And even her brother, who is her confidant was not there as well. Without them there, it felt like a piece of her was missing.

But it was the absence of her girlfriend that cut the deepest. They had shared so many moments together. Rebecca yearned for the comfort of her embrace, the reassurance of her presence, but she was nowhere to be found.

As Rebecca approached the podium to deliver her valedictorian speech, her voice quivered with emotion. She spoke from the depths of her soul, pouring out her gratitude, resilience, and the profound impact of education on her life. But beneath her composed exterior, there was a raw vulnerability, a longing for the familiar faces that were conspicuously absent.

Tears welled up in Rebecca's eyes as she concluded her speech, the applause ringing hollow in her ears. She forced a smile, acknowledging the congratulations and well-wishes of her peers and professors. But inside, she felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness, a yearning for the presence of her loved ones.

As the ceremony drew to a close and the graduates dispersed to celebrate with their families, Rebecca found herself standing alone, adrift in a sea of jubilation. She tried to push back the waves of sadness threatening to engulf her, to focus on the milestone she had achieved. But deep down, the loneliness lingered—a stark reminder of the absence of those who meant the world to her.

Walking away from the stage, diploma clutched tightly in her hand, Rebecca felt the weight of her accomplishment paling in comparison to the emptiness in her heart. She knew that this was just the beginning of her journey, that there would be many more milestones to come. But in that moment, all she could feel was the ache of loneliness, the absence of the ones she loved.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Rebecca felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she was met with the warm smile of her best friend, Irin. Behind Irin stood Nop and Charlotte, their faces beaming with pride and admiration. In that moment, Rebecca realized that while her biological family may have been absent, she was surrounded by another kind of family—her friends.

Irin wrapped her in a tight embrace, congratulating her on her achievement. Nop and Charlotte joined in, their laughter filling the air with a sense of camaraderie and belonging. In their presence, the emptiness in Rebecca's heart began to dissipate, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude and love.

These were the friends who had been by her side through thick and thin, who had shared in her triumphs and tribulations. They were her rock, her confidants, her chosen family. And in that moment, Rebecca realized just how fortunate she was to have them in her life.

As they settled into their seats at the Italian restaurant, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces enveloped them. Rebecca watched as her friends eagerly perused the menu, their excitement palpable.

Irin's eyes lit up as she scanned the options. "Everything looks so delicious! I can't decide what to get."

Charlotte chuckled. "I know, right? I want to try everything!"

Nop grinned mischievously. "Well, lucky for us, Rebecca's treating tonight, so we can order whatever we want!"

Rebecca laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest at their banter. "Of course! Consider it a thank-you for putting up with me all these years."