Four years after move-in day, Marcus sat in a different auditorium, watching Elena walk across a different stage, this time in a cap and gown that actually fit properly, a diploma in public health clutched in her hands as she crossed toward her seat.
"She did it," Priya said, sitting beside him, having flown in again despite her demanding schedule leading international oversight protocols now protecting communities across dozens of countries.
"She really did," Marcus said, pride swelling in his chest as he watched Elena settle back into her seat among fellow graduates.
Reyes and Osei sat on Marcus's other side, both having made the trip despite their own busy lives, Reyes now running security consulting for transit systems across three countries, Osei having transitioned from Larkspur's
