“Yeah,” he sighs again, sounding genuinely regretful.“Med school life.But please don’t look at me like that, Cam.You’ll kill me.”
I give him my best pout, knowing full well what effect it has on him.
“Fuck,” he groans, rubbing his temples.
“Relax, Fox,” I say, grinning now.“I’ll be fine.I’m so proud of you.I can’t wait to see you in that white coat.You’re going to be amazing.”
His expression softens.“Thanks, babe.You always know what to say.”
After dinner, we talk about everything—his classes, his annoying classmates, and how none of them compare to Blaze.Even though we’re miles apart, these calls keep us connected.I eat my pasta while he munches on pizza, and for a little while, the distance between us feels smaller.
But I still wish he were here.
52
Cheers and Tears
Thecampusbuzzeswithexcitement.Families crowd together around their graduates, snapping photos and sharing laughter.The energy in the air is electric, but as I walk toward the main ceremony, my mind is somewhere else.On my dad.
I smooth the fabric of my gown, trying to calm the knot tightening in my chest.Today feels surreal for so many reasons.It’s not just the graduation itself—it’s knowing my dad is here, despite everything.After years of tension, he showed up.
Fox walks beside me, his hand brushing against mine as if reminding me he’s there.He’s been my rock through it all, even flying back from Portland, cutting his med school rotation short, just to be here.
“You okay?”Fox asks, his voice soft as he leans in.
“Yeah,” I say, managing a small smile.“It just feels… overwhelming, you know?”
“It should,” he says with a grin.“You’re officially smarter than all of us now, Counselor Brooke-to-be.”
I laugh, even as a wave of nerves washes over me.“Not quite a counselor yet, but thanks for the vote of confidence.”
Ahead, I spot my mom and dad standing under a large oak tree.Mom beams when she sees me, waving with all the enthusiasm of a proud parent.Dad, however, stands slightly behind her, stiff and quiet.His pale complexion and frail frame tell the story of his battle with leukemia.I haven’t seen him much in the last few months, and it’s hard to ignore how much he’s changed.
Lila, Fox’s mom, is chatting animatedly with Blaze and Landon nearby.She’s become like a second mom to me, always present, always supportive.Nat and Leanne hover close, cracking jokes like they always do, keeping the mood light.
As we approach, Mom pulls me into a tight hug.“Oh, Cam,” she whispers, her voice cracking.“I’m so proud of you.”Her tears dampen my shoulder, and I hold her a little tighter.
“Thanks, Mom,” I murmur, my own voice thick.
When she pulls away, I turn to Dad.For a moment, he just looks at me, his blue eyes softer than I’ve seen in years.Finally, he clears his throat and extends his hand awkwardly.
I ignore the gesture, stepping forward to hug him instead.He hesitates for a second before wrapping his arms around me.It’s stiff and tentative, but it’s a start.It’s something.
“You did good, son,” he says quietly as we pull apart.His words hit me harder than I expected.
“Thanks, Dad,” I manage, my throat tight.
“Alright, enough with the waterworks,” Lila interjects, waving her phone in the air.“Photos, everyone!Come on, before I start crying too.”
Fox laughs and nudges me playfully.“We need evidence you graduated, babe.For blackmail purposes.”
“You’re impossible,” I tease, swatting at him, but I let him steer me into the group.
The ceremony itself is a blur.Speeches, applause, names being called—it all blends together.When my name echoes through the speakers, the crowd erupts.I hear Fox’s voice loudest of all, cheering like I’ve just won a championship game.I can’t help but glance at him, standing tall and proud, his grin so wide it’s contagious.My friends and family join in, their voices blending into one wave of love and support.
As I cross the stage to accept my diploma, it hits me: this moment isn’t just mine.It belongs to everyone who stood by me and believed in me when I doubted myself.My mom.My friends.Fox.Even my dad.They’ve all carried me to this moment.
Later that evening, the apartment is alive with laughter.Fox insisted on hosting the celebration, and the living room is decked out with streamers and balloons in my school colors.There’s even a banner that readsCONGRATS, CAM!
