My parents’ seats were empty.

Derek’s seat was empty.

They had already left, or perhaps they were hiding in the lobby, trying to manage the press release.

It did not matter anymore.

I took my seat next to the university president.

He leaned over and offered a polite word of welcome.

I smiled, thanking him, but my mind was focused on the pages in my lap.

The black ink of my handwritten notes looked stark against the printed text.

The wind ensemble finished their piece, the final notes lingering in the high rafters.

The president walked to the podium and began his introduction.

He spoke of my research.

He spoke of Solar Reach and the impact our technology was having on developing communities.

He called me a leader of the new generation.

Each word of praise felt heavy, knowing what was unfolding in the news.

“Please welcome our keynote speaker, Dr. Sarah Mitchell,” he said.

The applause rose from the crowd, a wave of sound that filled the massive hall.

I stood up from my chair.

I walked to the wooden podium, my shoes making no sound on the carpeted stage.