High school graduation is a momentous occasion that we all look forward to. It represents a chapter in our lives that we will always treasure as a cherished memory, shared with those we care about the most.

For Britt, a young woman graduating high school, the day was an emotional roller coaster.

She felt immense pride in her achievement, but her heart was filled with anxiety over whether her mother and stepfather would show up. Amid the camera flashes and bustle, she desperately hoped to recognize familiar faces.

As she sat among her classmates, Britt kept scanning the crowd. “They’re probably running late,” she reassured herself. “Or maybe stuck in traffic. They’ll be here any minute.”

With each name called, Britt’s anticipation grew. Finally, when it was her turn to walk up to the stage, she forced a smile. Holding her diploma, she prayed to see her mom’s smile and her stepdad’s thumbs up. But they were nowhere to be seen.

“They must be here somewhere,” she thought as she walked around the place.

Once she realized they weren’t there and they were probably not coming at all, Britt checked her phone. There was a message there which read, “Sorry, we couldn’t make it. Something came up with your stepsister. We’ll celebrate later. Congrats!”

Britt got incredibly concerned. She wondered what could have possibly been more important than her graduation and couldn’t wait to get home and be there for her parents.

Iris, her step-sister, was always throwing tantrums, and wanted to be the center of attention, but what could be wrong this time?

As she stood there all by herself, Britt felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Justin’s, her prom date. “Hey, are you okay?” he asked her, realizing something was terribly wrong.

Britt couldn’t answer because she felt a lump in her throat. Instead of words, tears started rolling down her face.

“Oh sweetheart, come here,” Justin’s mom told her as she pulled her in her embrace. “You’re not alone, we’re here for you.”

They did all in their power not to let Britt feel alone and tried to fill in the void.

Following the celebration with Justin’s family, Britt headed home. Once there she saw her mom and step-dad on the couch, watching TV just like any other day. What’s most, they even looked relaxed.

Britt’s anger bubbled up. “Hey, where were you guys?” she asked with a trembling voice. “You missed my graduation.”

Her mom, looking embarrassed, sighted, “Your stepsister broke a nail. She threw a huge tantrum and demanded we take her to the beauty salon to get it fixed immediately. She was inconsolable, Britt.”

Unable to look at her eyes, her mom said, “Britt, we’re sorry. We’ll celebrate later, I promise.”

After giving it some thought, Britt decided it would be for the best if she left the house for some time. So, she called Mrs. Anderson, Justin’s mom. With a shaking voice she said, “Good evening, Mrs. Anderson. I want to ask you for a favor. But I don’t know how to…”

“Go on, Brittany. What is it?” Mrs. Anderson replied with her sweet voice.

“Can I stay with you guys for a while? I’ve had a fallout with my family and I need to get out of here.”

Justin’s mom didn’t hesitate. “Of course, sweetheart. You’re always welcome here.”

Britt packed her things and headed towards the front door. “I’m leaving,” she said. “I need some time away from this house, from you.”

Her mom tried to stop her, but it was too late.

In the weeks that followed, Britt was able to find a job and eventually, an apartment. She ignored her parents’ calls and didn’t want any contact with them.