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"You're right," I make eye contact, "I'm fucking miserable."
"What are you gonna do about it?"
I scoff, "What do you mean? There isn't anything I can do."
"You can keep fighting, or you can give up. It's your choice, Jay, but there's no in-between. You and I both know you're a fighter. You always have been."
23 Years Old
I toss my cap in the air, the roar of thunderbirds flying overhead like music to my ears.
That will be me up there.
Only a little over half of these graduates will be qualified to be pilots, and an even smaller percentage will fly fighters.
It will be me. I repeat.
I glance around the crowd, knowing I won't see her. Is it bad that a piece of me still holds out hope?
I'm pathetic.
Judson walks up, shaking my hand, before pulling me into a hug. "I'm so proud of you, dude."
"Thanks," I look around, "Where's B?"
"JC has strep throat, she had to stay back, but she's not happy about it."
"It's alright. Thanks for coming, bro. It means a lot."
I'm glad he is here. It's been too long since I've been home. It just hurts to go back. Too many reminders of what I left behind.
That's my only excuse.
With him standing in front of me, it's kind of like home is here. Well, almost.
A deep voice breaks my thoughts, "Jameson."
I turn around, Hanna's father standing in front of me, reaching out his hand, "Congratulations, kid."
I fumble my words, his soft features reminding me of Hanna. "Mr. Mason? I uh… wow?"
I shake his hand, Judson looking at me confused.
"Judson, this is Hanna's father, Mr. Mason."
He reaches out his hand, "Call me, Elliott. Please. It's nice to meet you. You must be the brother."
Judson beams, "That's me. The proud brother."
"You should be very proud. This is a huge accomplishment. On to pilot training, I presume?"
"Yeah, that's the plan. What are you doing here, though?"
Judson nudges me, whispering, "Don't be rude."
Elliott laughs, "A buddy of mine, his son is graduating today as well. I heard your name, and I almost couldn't believe it. I figured I'd come to congratulate you in person."
Did Hanna not tell them where I went? Did they even know I left?
