Graduation Day
The university auditorium buzzed with excitement. Caps, gowns, camera flashes everywhere.
Chloe and I sat side by side—our last names too close to be separated. She reached for my hand and whispered, “I’m so glad we did this together.”
“I am too,” I whispered back—and meant it. For everything else, Chloe had always been kind. The favoritism wasn’t her fault.
Then the dean approached the mic.
“And now, before we conclude our ceremony, please welcome our student-elected speaker…”
I clapped politely, expecting someone from the student government.
“…Emma Wilson, recipient of the Academic Excellence Award in Education.”
I froze.
Me?
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “You were chosen? Go! You earned this!”
My knees shook as I climbed the stage. My eyes scanned the crowd—Dad’s jaw slack, Mom blinking in disbelief.
