Having said that, I know how strong-willed you are and that you have a mind of your own. Your mother and I want what’s best for you, but only you know what that is. Search inside your heart, Pumpkin. The truth lies in there. Whatever you decide, whatever path you choose, I will support you and your right to make that choice. Yes, even if your mother wants to kill me for it. I might be more afraid of her than I am of any of the Krauts we’ve faced over here, but I’ll always stick up for my little girl.

Above all, know that I love you more than anything. I kiss your picture and your mom’s every night before I go to bed, praying for God to keep me safe so that I can come home to you both.

I love you.

Dad

Mary sniffled and blinked away a tear. “I love you too, Daddy.”

“Class, please rise.”

Mary stuffed the letter back in her pocket and stood.

“As your name is called, please approach the stage.”

By the time they got to the Ts, Mary thought she might die of boredom. But when she arrived at the edge of the steps and gazed out at the sea of faces, her heart nearly pounded out of her chest. She really was going to do this—she was about to start a whole new chapter in her life. As she climbed the stairs and started across the stage, she heard a holler and a whistle. She turned in the direction of the sound. There was Sam, standing and waving. Her mother sat next to him, looking proud, if a little embarrassed.

Mary wanted to crawl underneath the stage. She hurried to the president of the school board, who shook her hand and placed the diploma in her other palm.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Mary finished the walk, exited the other side of the stage, and returned to her row. The sound of Sam’s cheers echoed in her ears, and she squirmed in her seat.

Half an hour later, when the ceremony ended, Mary tried to locate Phyllis. She stood on her tiptoes and scanned the crowd. Finally, she saw her standing off to the side, quietly hugging her mother as Truman stood nearby. She headed in their direction.

“There’s my girl.” Sam intercepted her, swept her up into his arms, and twirled her around. “I’m so proud of you I could bust.”

“Put me down.” Mary squirmed and twisted out of his grasp.

“Well done.” Her mother joined them. “Your father would be so happy. I wish he could’ve been here.”

“Me too.” She removed the mortar board and handed it to her mother. Then she removed the letter from her pocket, yanked the gown over her head, balled it up, and gave that to her mother too. She smoothed the wrinkles in her dress. “Do you have my purse?”