Chapter 6 - The Game That Mattered
While Emma spoke beneath the stadium lights, Tyler sat on the bench during the second half of his semifinal.
He had twisted his ankle before halftime.
No college scouts had attended.
Robert blamed the coach for not giving Tyler enough minutes before the injury.
Karen blamed the floor.
Tyler blamed a teammate who missed a pass.
They stopped for burgers after the loss and returned home after ten-thirty.
Karen saw the speech first.
A friend had sent it with one sentence.
Isn’t this your daughter?
Tyler opened TikTok.
Emma’s name was everywhere.
Reaction videos.
Teachers crying.
Parents admitting they needed to apologize to their own children.
Clips of Daniel Pierce placing a bouquet beside Emma while photographers gathered.
Robert pulled the video onto the television.
Recognition frightened him because Pierce Global had recently announced a major development project near Robert’s company.
Robert had spent months trying to get into one of Daniel’s business events.
He knew Daniel’s reputation.
He also knew he had mocked the ceremony where Daniel chose to appear.
The front door opened at 11:16.
Emma entered carrying flowers, a diploma case, and a black scholarship folder.
Karen rushed toward her.
“Why didn’t you tell us Daniel Pierce would be there?”
Emma stopped.
That was the first question.
Not how was graduation.
Not are you proud.
May you like
Not are you hurt.
Why didn’t you tell us an important man would see you?
