The graduation was in the gym, and it was hot, and I sat in the back row because I got there late. My stall does not close for anything.
Nora's name was called third. She walked across the stage in a gown that I had paid for, forty-two dollars, and shook hands with the Latin-motto principal, and I stood up and clapped so hard my hands stung.
The Vances were in the front row, because the school had saved them seats.
I saw them there, the gray head and the green suit, and I saw Nora come off the stage and sit down, and I saw Charles Vance lean over and say something to her, and I saw her nod.
Afterward, on the lawn, there was cake and pictures and crying. I found her by the greenhouse. She had her cap off and her hair was stuck to her forehead.
"Congratulations," I said.
"Thanks."
"Pr
