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

and uncomfortable.

I’d printed that one and folded it into the inner pocket of my gown. Even now, I could feel the crisp edges against my side like a challenge, like a dare.

“Isabella?” a stagehand called, clipboard in hand. “You’re up right after Dean Foster’s opening remarks.”

I glanced one more time toward the auditorium, toward the rows of families continue reading …