After the graduation ceremony wrapped up, my professor and Victor, who was going to be my lab mate from now on, threw me a celebration dinner. Once we finished the meal, they drove me back to my apartment.
"We'll come pick you up tomorrow," he said as they dropped me off.
I'd had a few drinks, so I nodded happily. "Got it."
When I stepped into my apartment, Daniel was sitting in the dark, puffing on a cigarette.
The second he spotted me, he lunged forward and wrapped me in a tight hug. "Chels, it's all my fault. I was an i***t. I never should have let you get hurt so badly," he sniffled. "I had other ways to take care of my teacher's daughter, but I chose the path that hurt you. You must be miserable. Hit me, yell at me, anything you want... just don't leave me, please."
I could feel
