My parents only paid for her studies because they said she had potential, unlike me, and four years later, at our graduation ceremony…

I approached the microphone.

Hundreds of faces before me.

I didn’t mention revenge.

I didn’t talk about injustice.

I mentioned waking up at 4:15 am.

Night buses.

Teachers who change a life because they take the time to read.

I spoke about invisible students.

Those that are not the preferred investment.

Those who build in silence.

My voice did not tremble.

I had nothing left to prove.

After the ceremony, my parents approached.

My father looked shorter.

“Why didn’t you tell us anything?”

I smiled slightly.

“You had already assessed me.”

My mother clutched the bouquet to her chest.

Victoria spoke first.

“I didn’t know.”

I watched it.

“Now, yes.”

There was no anger in my voice.

Just a stable truth.

The rest is on the next page