Dad wiped his eyes.
This time he didn’t pretend it was allergies.
A moment later the principal stepped forward.
“I believe,” she said, smiling toward us, “there’s only one person who should walk this graduate across the stage.”
The crowd erupted in applause.
I slipped my arm through Dad’s.
“You know you’re stuck with me forever, right?” I whispered.
He laughed softly.
“Best decision I ever made.”
Eighteen years ago he crossed that football field carrying me in his arms.
That day we crossed it together.
And everyone watching knew exactly who my real parent was.
Note: This story is written for storytelling purposes and inspired by real-life situations. Names and certain details may have been changed for privacy.