I'll Be Seeing You

Nineteen.

The moment I walked across the stage and heard my name called, everything felt like it slowed down. The lights were bright, the room was full, but all I could hear was the steady pounding of my heart and the distant cheering of people who mattered most.

Mark's voice rose above the rest—loud and proud. I caught sight of him in the crowd, standing and clapping like I'd just won an Olympic medal. Beside him, Rene and Tommy were beaming, holding up a homemade sign that read: "RN-to-be: Smart, Strong, and Totally Badass." I laughed through my tears and clutched my diploma like it was the key to a whole new life. I guess in a way, it was.

Graduating with my ADN wasn't just the end of a 16-month whirlwind. It was the culmination of every late night, every tear, every moment of doubt and determination. I made it. After the ceremony, Mark wrapped me in his arms and spun me around. "You did it, baby," he whispered. "I'm so proud of you."

"I couldn't have done it without you," I said, barely able to speak past the emotion in my throat.

"Well, technically you could have," he teased, kissing my forehead. "But I'm glad I got to be here and watch you shine."

After graduation, I thought we were just going back to his dads house to relax. I was exhausted, emotionally drained in the best way. But as soon as I opened the front door, I was hit with a wave of cheers, confetti, and the delicious smell of my favorite foods.

"Surprise!" shouted what had to be thirty people packed into the house—family, friends, classmates, and coworkers. Rene handed me a mimosa. Chelsey came over with a graduation sash. Dave gave me a bear hug that nearly lifted me off my feet.

"You planned all this?" I asked Mark, stunned.

"Of course I did. You deserve to be celebrated—by everyone who loves you."

There was laughter, dancing, way too much cake, and a photo slideshow Mark had put together—clips and snapshots from the past year and a half. Study sessions. Clinicals. Coffee-fueled all-nighters. My heart felt so full it could burst.

The cake had been cut, the gifts opened, and my heart was already overflowing. I kept catching myself staring around the room, trying to absorb every second—the hugs, the laughter, the way everyone made me feel like the most loved person in the world.

Mark stood beside me, one arm around my waist, his other hand lightly tapping his glass for attention. "Alright, everyone," he said, his voice carrying above the buzz of conversation, "I have one last surprise. Something... really special."

I gave him a playful nudge. "Another one? Haven't you done enough?"

He looked at me—so full of love, so sure of what was about to happen—and smiled. "Not even close."

The room quieted as he turned toward the back of the house. A second later, the back door swung open. Rene stepped inside, holding the door open behind her. And then...She walked in.

Abby.

I didn't recognize her at first—not completely. She was taller, older, her face more defined. But her eyes... her eyes were the same. For a second, time stopped. No one moved. No one spoke. 

"Abby?" I whispered.

She smiled—nervous, tearful, but radiant. "Hi."

My knees buckled, and I burst into tears. I didn't even realize I was running until I was already in her arms, holding her so tightly I thought I might never let go. "You're here. You're really here," I sobbed into her shoulder.

"I missed you so much," she said through tears of her own. "I've been looking for you."

I pulled back just enough to see her face, to memorize every change, every feature I didn't get to watch grow up. "How? How did this happen?"