Chapter 16 - The Graduation Ceremony
Four years later, the great lawn of the university was a sea of blue caps and gowns. Elena sat in the third row, dabbing her eyes with a tissue as the dean read the names of the business honors graduates.
Far in the back, standing beneath the shade of a large oak tree, stood an elderly man in a sharp charcoal suit, leaning lightly on a silver-handled cane. Marco stood dutifully by his side.
"Sophie Corina," the loudspeaker boomed.
May you like
Sophie walked across the stage, accepting her diploma with a beaming smile. As she paused for the photographer, her eyes scanned the massive crowd. She found her mother first, blowing her a kiss. Then, she looked further back, toward the trees. She caught sight of the charcoal suit and the cane.
Vincent gave her a slow, respectful nod, tipping his fedora. Sophie smiled back, her heart full. He didn't stay for the reception, not wanting to draw attention, but his presence was the greatest gift she could have asked for.
