I turned and began to walk down the asphalt path, the shadow of the palm trees falling over me.

The air was warm, smelling of dry grass and car exhaust from the nearby lot.

Behind me, I heard the crunch of gravel as footsteps started to follow.

I did not look back to see who it was, keeping my eyes fixed on the gate ahead.

My phone buzzed again in my hand.

It was another message, but not from Sam.

It was an alert from our primary investor.

I stopped under the archway, the screen lighting up my face in the shade.

The notification read: *Urgent update regarding the Series A closing. We need to talk immediately.*

I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering over the glass.

The gravel crunched behind me.

I turned and saw Derek walking briskly to catch up, his black graduation gown billowing slightly in the afternoon breeze.

Behind him, Mother was standing by the stone bench, her hands clasped tightly near her throat.

Father stood a step behind her, hands deep in his pockets, his shoulders hunched as he stared at his shoes.