Theo had worked hard for that degree. There had been moments when he doubted himself, moments when he nearly gave up, and moments when he called us simply because he needed someone to tell him to keep going.
When his name was announced, we stood and applauded.
Afterward, he found us outside the building, wearing his graduation gown and holding his cap in one hand.
He hugged Daniel first.
Then he hugged me.
“I made it,” he whispered.
“Yes, you did.”
He pulled back, grinning.
“I considered wearing red today.”
Daniel stared at him.
“Don’t push your luck.”
Theo burst out laughing.
I laughed too.
Then I reached into my handbag and took out a small box.
Inside was Jack’s black wristwatch.
It wasn’t particularly expensive. Jack had worn it almost every day before treatment made his wrists too thin, and I had kept it in the drawer beside my bed.
