CHAPTER 21: 21. Graduation Morning
Graduation came with a thunderstorm that flooded the parking lot and made everyone’s shoes squeak across the gym floor. Tessa arrived carrying flowers and a ridiculous banner. Parker sat beside her, cheering louder than anyone when the twins’ names were called. Grant attended at the boys’ invitation, seated several rows away. He did not insist on joining our photographs. After the ceremony, he congratulated them and asked whether he could take a picture with each. Miles agreed. Jonah hesitated, then agreed too. I saw no miracle in the exchange. Only a careful, imperfect beginning. As we packed the car, Miles asked me to hold his diploma while he tied his shoe. Jonah draped his graduation cord over my shoulders and said, “You should get one of these.” “I already have two,” I told him, touching their cheeks. They groaned in the affectionate way teenagers do when their mother becomes sentimental. We went to our favorite diner for pancakes even though it was nearly afternoon. The waitress remembered them from elementary school and brought extra whipped cream without being asked.
