Class of 20XX.

You did it! You actually did it! You were graduating Highschool! . . . You were so tired.

Top of your class, school valedictorian, and club president. It was all for him. For Karkat. The brother who had taken on both roles of the parent, and everything else… he hadn’t been able to graduate like you. When he sometimes mentioned it in passing moments, you always felt that flower of guilt blossom in your chest…

You where handed your diploma, smiled a little too hard for your photos and walked offstage—

After the ceremony— You were thinking of all the free time you finally had— You could play video games! Go out with friends! Maybe actually start dating! Look at colleges— College.

You felt a brick of dread drop into your stomach like a coin in a deep well— You completely forgot about college. Everyone would expect you to go— Everyone would expect you to be as successful there, as you were here.

Your hands shook, gripping your diploma and your heart raced— You couldn’t do this again— You—

“ Kid! “

Karkat found you. Warm, calloused hands cupping your cheeks.

“ You where amazing up there- “

He smiled at you.

“ I’m so proud of you— I’m so proud… “

He kissed your temple.

. . . You had to do this. For Karkat.