In Love, Against All Odds

Caps and Gowns

The morning sun streamed through the window, its golden light promising a day of celebration and achievement. For everyone but me, it seemed. My chest felt heavy as I adjusted my cap and gown in the mirror, trying to muster a smile that wouldn't come. Adri was already at the door, her excitement practically radiating from her.

"Kat, we're finally graduating!" she said, grabbing my hand as we stepped out. Her voice was filled with joy, but I could only nod and force a smile.

As we arrived on campus, the air buzzed with laughter and chatter. Groups of students gathered, taking pictures and reminiscing. I saw familiar faces—friends from the past, including Brailey and Vinita, who stood with Patrick, their expressions light and carefree. My gaze lingered on Patrick for a moment before I turned away, the pang in my chest too much to bear.

Adri must have noticed the shift in my expression because she nudged me gently. "Hey, I'm here for you, Kat. Don't forget that."

Her words offered a small comfort, a reminder that not everyone had drifted away.

As we reached the main area, the buzz of the celebration grew louder, and before I could take another step, Justin and George appeared, their faces glowing with excitement. Their energy was contagious, but it only made the knot in my stomach tighten further.

"Adri!" George called out, his grin wide. "Dalia and the others are taking a group photo; they want you to join!"

Adri's eyes lit up at the mention of the photo. But before she could reply, Justin turned to me, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey, Kat, congrats on making it through! You did it," he said, his voice warm.

I felt a wave of gratitude toward him, remembering the notes he had passed along to Adri for me during exam prep. "Thank you, Justin," I said, offering him a small but genuine smile. "The notes Adri got from you—they helped me. I appreciate it."

Justin's smile grew, and he gave a slight nod. "My pleasure. I'm just glad they helped."

I could see that Adri was about to say something, but she stopped herself, probably sensing the weight of the moment. She turned back to me, her voice a little softer now like she was offering me a choice. "Kat, do you want to come along for the photo?"

For a brief moment, I considered it, the thought of joining in with the laughter and celebration tempting. But the truth was, I didn't feel like I belonged in that picture, not today. So, I shook my head, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "No, you go ahead. I'll wait here."

Adri's expression faltered for a second, her brows knitting in concern. I could tell she wanted to argue, to insist that I come along. But instead, she just nodded, her voice full of understanding. "Alright, I'll be back soon."

As I watched Adri walk away, joining her friends with laughter and ease, a wave of sadness washed over me. This wasn't how I imagined our graduation day would be. We used to talk about celebrating together, taking goofy photos, and cherishing every moment. But now, a cloud of heaviness lingered between us.

I stood there, arms wrapped around myself, when Ashley, a classmate I barely knew, approached. "Congratulations, Katherine!" she said brightly, holding out her hand.

"Thanks," I replied flatly, avoiding eye contact. She lingered for a moment, awkwardly shuffling before walking away. I sighed, already feeling the weight of this day dragging me down.

***

The ceremony was a blur of speeches and applause. The speeches dragged on, filled with grandiose promises of bright futures, uncharted opportunities, and dreams waiting to be realized. I tried to focus, to absorb the words, but they rang hollow, like echoes in an empty room. Every sentence felt like a taunt, a reminder of how far I felt from the optimism everyone else seemed to be basking in. My thoughts swirled, anchored in the past—choices I couldn't undo, betrayals that still stung like fresh wounds.