The assembly hall was quiet when I arrived. Only Elias stood at the podium, bathed in the soft morning light streaming through the tall windows.
He looked small against the enormous room, but there was something different about him. His shoulders were straight, his expression calm. He looked like someone who had finally made peace with the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
“You’re early,” I said softly, walking down the aisle toward him.
He turned, and a faint smile touched his lips.
“I didn’t want them to introduce me,” he said. “I wanted to speak first. Before anyone could tell my story for me.”
I stopped beside him and studied his face.
“Are you sure you’re ready?”
“No,” he admitted. “But I’m tired of letting fear make my decisions.”
I reached for his hand and squeezed i
