My friends stepped in immediately.

Rachel planned a huge celebration.

Marcus’s parents insisted on “adopting me for the day.”

For the first time, I believed graduation could still feel special—even without my family there.

Graduation Morning

The morning of graduation arrived with perfect Berkeley weather.

Sunny skies and a cool breeze.

Stephanie woke me dramatically.

“Rise and shine, future Supreme Court justice!”

Rachel arrived with bagels and celebration shirts.

Marcus brought his parents, who handed me flowers and a card that nearly made me cry.

We walked toward the ceremony surrounded by excitement and laughter.

And for once, the absence of my family didn’t hurt as much as I expected.

Until I looked toward the audience.

The Faces I Never Expected to See

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