Graduation

The stage was set.

The diplomas centered on the table, and the lectern placed on the far side. Aluminum folding chairs arranged into two columns and multiple rows with an aisle down the middle. The graduating seniors waited in the end zone to make their walk to the 50 yard line and leave their high school years behind them. Parents and loved ones filled the stands as they watched the sea of black gowns and hats, took pictures, and yelled at their graduates.

Jack and Marian had a good vantage point of the stage as they waited for the ceremony to start. They were scanning the crowd while glancing at their phones.

“I can’t believe she’d be late for this, of all things! Come on Steph. Pick up your damn phone.” Jack shook his phone in his hand when Marian put it between both her hands.

“Calm down. Today is a happy day! Steph will be here before... Look, there she is!!” Marian shot up, waving her hands above her head, catching Steph’s eyes.

Steph grabbed Brad’s arm and dragged him up to wh