CHAP 4
Chapter 4: The Walk to the Front
The applause began with only a handful of people.
Then an entire row stood.
Another followed.
Within seconds, nearly the whole auditorium was on its feet.
Sarah froze beneath the EXIT sign, shaking her head.
"No," she whispered to Claire. "Please..."
Claire squeezed her hand. "For once, let them see you."
Dr. Wallace stepped back to the microphone.
"Mrs. Vance," she called gently, "would you please come forward?"
Sarah's first instinct was to refuse.
She had spent twelve years staying out of the way, making peace, avoiding conflict.
But then she looked at Michael.
He wasn't asking as a graduate.
He was asking as her son.
With trembling legs, she began walking down the center aisle.
People moved aside without a word.
Some smiled.
Others quietly wiped away tears.
David stared at the floor.
For the first time in years, there was no audience left for him to impress.
When Sarah reached the stage, Michael stepped down before anyone could stop him.
He wrapped his arms around her.
"I couldn't have done any of this without you."
She buried her face against his shoulder.
"I just wanted today to be perfect for you."
"It is now," he whispered.
May you like
The audience erupted into applause once again.
But this time, the loudest cheers were for the woman who had never asked to be seen.
