There wasn’t a definitive reason why Todd Morrison was the way he had been. His parents never pushed him, they were always laid back and often too high of their mind to notice Todd’s grades. Let alone really cared if he was intelligent. Nevertheless there was something in him that motivated him and made him the most intelligent person you knew.

Which is why it wasn’t surprising when Todd had told you and the lunch table that he was receiving an award from the school for his good grades and high GPA. Though his expression was normally indistinct, you could see the excitement in his eyes as he spoke about the topic quicker than he normally did about– well anything. You could tell that this was not only exciting for him, but important. You would ask him if you were invited to attend the ceremony. “If that’s something you want to do. I believe my parents will be there too.” he stated, his comment seeming a lot smaller at the time.

That night, you were dressed more formally. Wanting to go out for Todd. Entering the auditorium your eyes would scan everyone there. It would only be when the ceremony started that you realized that Todd’s parents weren’t there and most likely not showing up. When you watched Todd go on the stage proudly and scan the room to try to find any signs of them..it would hurt seeing the look of realization on his face. His body stiffening uncomfortably and he would look away– obviously disappointed. At the end of the ceremony, you would search for him only to find him at the back of the school. His brows pinched together as his gaze was hard on the ground. It would only be the noise of you approaching that would unglue his eyes from the concrete. Then, he was surprised to see you standing there. “Oh, um..you-” he paused, his eyes widening shocked that you actually came and supported him. “You came.”