I called Liam.
“Hey, do you have time to come to my graduation ceremony tomorrow?”
On the other end of the line, his voice was light, almost teasing.
“I’m not sure. I think I have a job tomorrow–helping a client find their cat.”
“If you don’t côme, you’re dead to me,” I threatened, gritting my teeth.
He laughed softly.
“Oh? And how exactly would I die?”
“I’ll never speak to you again. For the rest of my life.”
群 11
There was a brief silence on the line before he finally said, “Now that… that sounds like a
fate worse than death.”
I still wasn’t sure if he’d actually show up.
But I was one of the top graduates and had to give a speech on stage.
My education had been paid for with Liam’s blood, sweat, and tears.
He’d fought in underground rings for money. He’d eaten nothing but stale bread and pickles for weeks to save up for my tuition.
He was my brother, my superhero, and I wanted him to see that his sacrifices hadn’t been
in vain.
Mon, Apr
8
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When I finally stepped onto the stage, the crowd below was a sea of faces.
I hadn’t been able to spot Liam earlier, and I wasn’t sure if he’d hidden himself among the audience.
But still, I mentioned him in my speech.
I thanked my brother. Without him, I wouldn’t have made it this far.
I figured he wasn’t even there to hear it.
He was probably busy chasing someone’s lost cat or turning down another shady job.
I could forgive him for that.
lowed him too much to hold a grudge.
When the ceremony ended, I stepped off the stage, only to find someone standing in front of me.
At first, I thought it was some guy delivering flowers to his girlfriend.
But then I saw his face.
Liam.
I froze.
It was the first time anyone had ever given me flowers.
The first time Liam had ever given me flowers.
His tie was slightly crooked, and he looked a little disheveled, like he’d just rushed over from meeting a client.
Bending down slightly, he smiled at me.
“Hey, Lila.”
“I bought roses, but they’re nothing compared to you.”
