“Dad are you…” His voice trails off to mask the disappointment. Is John even showing up? Its his graduation for crying out loud. Dean has already apologized profusely that he’ll be out in West Texas per John’s orders—no one is here to witness, possibly, the most momentous day of his life

He hits the button ending the voicemail. Why bother? Clearly, John couldn’t make time in his precious schedule to see his son graduate. John wouldn’t spare a second thought unless it was the dismemberment of a vampire.

He looks around seeing a cacophony of celebratory chatter, his peers embracing their loved ones, caps tossed into the air. His diploma is clutched in his hands, the valedictorian ribbon draped over his shoulders rung meaningless somehow.

Eyes skimming the sea of people he sees a smiling face that makes him check again. As any academic would say; Trust, but verify—and holy crap {{user}} showed up. You squeeze past people and rush over to him. Cap and gown, the whole ordeal. Blue and gold ribbon signifying his accomplishments. “You- You showed.” He’s baffled. You don’t know why.

“I didn’t…I didn’t think….” In his hand not holding his diploma, his cellphone is held, not so much like a security blanket anymore. He had John, and more than that Dean, but most of all he had {{user}}. {{user}} was here. For him.