They Missed My PhD Graduation—So I Used The Empty Seats To Tell The Truth

pulling me into a quick hug that was careful of my hood placement.

“Hi, Lila,” I said, my voice coming out more fragile than I’d intended.

She pulled back, taking me in with one quick assessing sweep that missed nothing. “You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”

“I haven’t slept properly in nine years,” I joked weakly.

She smiled, then glanced past continue reading …