Opened them.
Changed words.
She wanted to get it right.
Eventually, she mailed the letter.
Then she waited.
And apparently, someone answered.
## Graduation Morning
On graduation morning, I woke before my alarm.
For several minutes, I stared at the ceiling.
I didn’t want to get out of bed.
Then I remembered my promise.
I got dressed.
My grandmother was sitting in the living room.
She looked tired.
“You’re beautiful,” she said.
I smiled.
“You’re biased.”
“Of course I am.”
She tried to stand.
I rushed toward her.
“I’ve got it.”
“I can stand by myself.”
“I know.”
She smiled.
Then she reached up and straightened my collar.
My mother used to do that.
For a second, neither of us spoke.
Then my grandmother whispered:
“Your mother would be so proud.”
I looked away because I couldn’t handle hearing it.
Before I left, she hugged me.
“Go,” she said.
I kissed her forehead.
“I’ll be back soon.”
She smiled.
“Don’t be so sure.”
I laughed, thinking she was joking.
I had no idea she was keeping another secret.
## The Ceremony
The school gymnasium was packed.
Parents filled the seats.