"Krystal from Computer Science."
Krystal walked onto the stage, her white dress swishing, her dark curls bouncing with each step. She smiled, wide and confident, her teeth white against her red lips. She accepted her certificate with a gracious nod, holding it up for the cameras.
"Mira from Computer Science."
No one came.
The host paused, looking around the stage, squinting into the wings. "Mira?"
Silence.
Bella's heart clenched. Where was Mira? She had promised. She had said she would be here.
"Karl from Computer Science."
Karl walked onto the stage, his face tight, his jaw clenched so hard Bella could see the muscles jumping beneath his skin. He walked stiffly, his shoulders rigid. He accepted his certificate without smiling, without looking at Krystal, without acknowledging the applause. He stood at the far end of the group, as far from Krystal as possible.
