A Soldier's Heart

Graduation (Dave)

When I graduated from high school, I saw it as the end of childhood and the beginning of manhood. Looking around at the young people on Travis' graduation day, I was sure it was the same for most of them. Not for Travis and Beth, though, and not for Beth's husband, Bob. They all looked like they had passed that threshold long ago.

Beth was pale, making her tiny frame look almost ethereal. Her black graduation gown only accented her pallor.

Travis was equally pale as he held Beth's hands and kissed her on each cheek. Bob hovered nearby, evidently watching for any impropriety. He needn't have bothered. Travis' behaviour was always circumspect.

"Congratulations, Beth," Travis said in a husky voice. "I knew you'd make it."

"It was only thanks to you," she replied, darting a look at her husband. "And Bo's Ma, the last few weeks. She helped a lot."

The Master of Ceremonies picked up his microphone and asked everyone to take their seats. The front rows were reserved for the graduates, and the rest of us sat further back. To my surprise, Travis took a seat on the stage. He hadn't told me he had been selected as valedictorian, though I should have expected it.

Travis' speech was typical, I suppose. When he said something about leaving childhood behind, he looked directly at Beth, and even from a distance I could see his eyes glittering. When he finished speaking, he came down from the stage and took his seat among the other graduates. One by one they came up on stage to receive their diplomas and shake the principal's hand. Most of them were grinning broadly for their photos. Travis' face was grim, unsmiling. I had seen few smiles in many weeks.

Formalities over, graduates and their families mingled around the refreshment tables. Anne and I went over to give Beth our congratulations. She introduced us to her husband. Her tongue tripped over the word.

"So what are your plans, Beth?" asked Anne.

"I guess I'm going to have to find a job. Bo wants to go to college."

I bit back what I had been about to say, that Bo was being mighty selfish to expect her to put him through college. Maybe when he finished, he would do the same for her. It's what Anne and I would have done, had it been necessary. But somehow Bob didn't strike me as that kind of guy.

Beth's father had made his way over to us. He and Bob stood stiffly, eyeing each other like lions about to fight to the death over territory. It surprised me. I could understand resentment from Bob, but Beth's father had pushed her into the marriage. Maybe he was, belatedly, feeling protective toward his daughter. But somehow, I had the feeling there was more to it.

"Have you picked the college you want to go to?" asked Anne. "And what you want to study?"

"I'd always planned to be an engineer. But you need to go to university for that, so that's out. So probably an engineering technician." He sounded bitter. "I haven't picked a school yet. It won't be one around here, that's for sure. I can't wait to get out of this town. Maybe one in California or New England. Right, sweetheart?" He looked at Beth as he spoke. His expression didn't match the words.

Beth smiled weakly and said, "Right, Bo."

A muscle in Travis' cheek twitched as he clenched his jaw. When Bob turned away to speak to his parents as they approached, I heard Travis whisper to Beth, "Promise me you'll keep in touch and let me know if anything is wrong or you need help."

She nodded mutely.

Bo introduced his parents to us, and after making small talk for a few minutes, we drifted off. Beth clung to Travis' hand as long as she could, letting her hand fall limply at her side as he moved away.