Graduation day was finally here and yet I was disappointed. Sitting in the sun for hours to spend 15 seconds on stage… wish they could’ve mailed it!
The only benefit was the angle I could see him from… from here I could see every smile play across his lips and every leg bounce of boredom. I let my mind run away as row after row of students went in front of me for their stage walk.
At last, just two more rows before my turn! Then I noticed him turn around. Our eyes locked for the briefest moment and he paused. He was looking for me. Waiting for my turn.
I rose with my row and let the wind catch my robe slightly in case he was looking.
I did the silly walk and exited stage left as scripted and performed by 1,000 others today. On my way back to my row I caught his eye again… but this time he rose. He found footing just past the row under his supervision and extended his arms in my direction. Braking formation, I nestled against his for a hug. A second was all that was allowable given the thousands watching but that single second felt like an hour as I memorized the feel of his body against mine. I waited for his breath to caress my neck when I realized he was holding it, also aware of the eyes on us. He released me and I rushed back into place.