Chapter 2 - Breakfast
Emma knew her parents would choose Tyler before either of them said it aloud.
The decision lived in the way Karen had already laid out his clean jersey beside the dryer.
It was in the cooler packed with sports drinks.
It was in Robert’s phone, where the semifinal time had three reminders while Emma’s graduation appeared as a single gray calendar entry.
Still, Emma asked.
“Are you coming tonight?”
Robert buttered his toast.
“Valedictorian or not, it’s still a bunch of kids in gowns pretending life owes them something.”
Karen continued scrolling.
“Tyler’s game starts at six. Scouts might be there.”
“My speech is at seven.”
“We can’t be in two places.”
Tyler spun his car keys around one finger.
“No offense, Em. Basketball actually matters.”
Emma had spent four years tutoring classmates, working evenings at the library, leading the debate team, and maintaining the highest grades in Lakeside High’s history.
She had earned a full scholarship offer but had not told her family the final details.
Every time she mentioned college, Robert asked whether the degree would lead to a real job.
Every time Tyler scored twenty points, Robert posted the video before the final buzzer.
Emma finished breakfast without arguing.
At 4:30 that afternoon, she put on her cap and gown alone.
Karen had left a note beside the keys.
Take pictures.
May you like
Emma looked at the two empty hooks where her parents’ coats had hung.
Then she drove herself to graduation.
