wouldn’t let me.”
Another tear.
“When I thought college was impossible, she made me believe.”
The room remained silent.
The kind of silence that only truth creates.
Then Daniel looked directly at his father.
For the first time all day.
“Dad.”
Richard swallowed.
“You paid for one semester.”
The words hit hard.
“You sent birthday texts.”
Another pause.
“You showed up today.”
Richard’s face reddened.
Daniel nodded once.
“And I’m glad you’re here.”
The audience relaxed slightly.
Then came the next sentence.
“But don’t ever confuse attendance with sacrifice.”
A
